I have often wondered what it is that makes me try out a new-to-me Cozy Mystery Series. With so many Cozy series out there, why do I end up trying some, and not others? I know there is no science involved in my selection process, but what is it that makes me try a Cozy Mystery author who I have never read before?
Hmmm…
After thinking about this, I came up with some things that help me decide whether a series looks like something I would enjoy spending a lot of time reading, or not:
1. Your Recommendations >>> I think that this is by far the most important factor for me. Some of you write monthly recommendations that make me immediately go and buy the first Cozy in a series. There are recommendations that almost “make me have to try” a series.
2. Sleuth >>> Let’s see, what do I mean by the sleuth? Well, upon looking at my favorite Cozy Mystery series, I like my sleuths to be smart women, although I have a few exceptions like Hercule Poirot and Roderick Alleyn. I tend to go for sleuths who have been around, who have living experiences from which to draw. I don’t mean that all my sleuths are senior citizens, but I do like my sleuths to be usually be the one whose friends know they can rely on.
3. Theme >>> I know it almost sounds over-redundant to mention the theme as being important, now that almost every series has a theme of some sort. This does not mean I won’t read a Cozy that has a theme I”m not interested in, but I do sort of seek out themes that match my own interests. I’m not particularly crazy about cooking, but I read several culinary Cozy Mystery themes. On the other hand, I enjoy needlework, so I usually try every needlework Cozy series that hits the shelves. I love holiday themes, so if an author has a lot of them, I will try his/her Cozies. The theme list goes on and on.
4. Book Cover >>> To some of you this might sound weird, but some Cozy book covers sort of “speak to me”. And lately, the publishers seem to have me in mind! Have any of you noticed how cozy the new Cozy book covers look? I have! When I look for the book covers to put on my site, I sometimes cannot get over how incredibly neat some of the covers are. I admit that I prefer the covers by artists over the photographs, but lately even the photos have been enticing.
So that’s how I find new Cozy Mystery authors to try, how about you? What method do you use to decide on a new-to-you Cozy Mystery author to try?
Kitty D says
I always start with the cover of a book and if it appeals to me then I go ahead and read what the book is about. I also am very prone to pick out ones that are themed and set in something that interests me. Like a knitting shop for example. I also really like the ones that feature women as the sleuths. Of course I love all the holiday themed ones so I go for them right away.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kitty D, I started reading holiday themed authors years ago, when Lee Harris was still writing her Christine Bennett and Leslie Meier had just put out her first Cozies. I’ve added several other authors who specialize in holidays, so I know exactly what you’re talking about. I truly think the books’ covers are getting better and better. The artists are including things like dogs, cats, tea pots, yummy kitchen scenes, cozy-looking small towns, all sorts of things that make me want to read them.
maggie says
As a writer, this post very much interests me, which is why I’ve started doing my own covers. Covers speak to me too.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Maggie, I don’t know why more authors don’t insist on their covers being appealing. I certainly would!
Rob says
Ladies: I agree about the covers being appealing as that can
attract me when I’m undecided. Also, a recommend from an author I’ve read and liked. I went off the beaten path from my usual as I am not fond of cats (no offense to cat lovers-but I’m a
really strong Alpha female and felines sense it and react rather negatively sometimes. But I like books featuring cats and I’ve just finished Arsenic and Old Books by Miranda James-about Charlie and Diesel. Loved the series and read every one.
I just ordered some Periodic Tables mysteries by Camille Minichino (A.k.a. Ada Madison and Margaret Grace) and finished with Ada Madison’s Prof. Sophie Knowles series of 4 which I loved. So sometimes for me-something totally different from my “norm” is fun. Needless to say, mysteries featuring dogs is a must read!
Rob
Rob says
Danna, for you needlework fans, Maggie Sefton and Monica Ferris (needlework, needlepoint and embroidery) and I think Anne Canadeo’s “While My Pretty One Knits”. I don’t know how many other books that center on crochet, knitting and needlework. I’ve read several and liked every one but while I am trying to think of the authors, I can’t.
Probably Senior moments (hours, days, months, years-take your pick).
And I thought watching “Jeopardy” would help with the dementia. LOL
Rob
maggie says
Monica Ferris is a sweetie pie – love her; even though I’m not crazy about needlework… enjoy her books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rob, I have a few other Knitting, Needlecrafting, Needleworking authors on this theme:
Knitting Cozy Mysteries & Needlecraft / Needlework Cozy Mysteries…
(And when you have some time to spare, you might enjoy seeing all of the other themes I have on the Cozy Mysteries by Theme page.)
Linda C says
Rob, I can answer a lot of the Jeopardy questions but not as fast as some as the contestants.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rob, I think pets personalize a leading sleuth. Both the mundane things as well as the fun things that go along with having a pet make the sleuth all that more of a person. I mean, it’s not necessarily interesting that our sleuths have to feed their pets, but it humanizes the characters when they do.
(I love Camille Minichino’s Periodic Table Mystery Series!)
Rita says
Book cover and the words “first in a new series”
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rita, yikes!” There are a whole lot of “first in a new series” Cozies out there! Your TBR pile must be mountain-sized!
(P.S. I had no idea you’re “Rita” from Facebook! Welcome to the Cozy Mystery site!)
Rita says
Yes Danna it is me from Facebook. My list is mountain sized in more ways then one. Question for you ..have you heard Susan Boyer? One of her books is Lowcountry Bombshell, it is second in a 3 book series (so far). The book is on sale through Bookbub. Thanks.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rita, thanks! I’ve seen her mysteries on sale from time to time. Susan M. Boyer’s Lowcountry Bombshell is on sale through Amazon. And the first book in her series, Lowcountry Boil, isn’t too bad a price, either!
Lisa says
I like your ideas. Recommendations play a big part in my selections, as do themes. Covers do play a big part too, but the biggest thing I use is intuition. Something just tells me “try this one! Give it a shot”. That’s how I have found new authors that I just love!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lisa, I used to find new-to-me authors sort of like your intuition-thing.
However, that has worked the opposite way for me, too. I remember seeing the first No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency book’s cover. For some reason, the desolate scene on the cover said “Don’t try this one! Don’t give it a shot.” Good grief, was my intuition off that day! Alexander McCall Smith‘s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is now one of my very favorite Cozy Mystery series.
maggie says
The title ‘No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ really appealed to me – then it was off to the races on this author.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Maggie, I am so glad I finally tried that first No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency mystery. The cover certainly didn’t appeal to me, but Alexander McCall Smith was being recommended and talked about by so many Cozy Mystery readers that I finally gave him a try. This series is one that I look forward to reading every time he puts out a new book. I guess I “was off to the races” also!
Mary says
I enjoy the mysteries because they are clean. I don’t have to put up with profanity on every page nor explicit sex. I enjoy the mysteries from Guideposts and Annie’s. Some of the mysteries are now on Hallmark such as Hannah Swenson.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary, I can’t wait to see that Hallmark movie. I hope they have stayed true to the book series >>> other than having Hannah look like a model instead of a “normal” woman.
Bernadette says
First of all, congratulations on this wonderful website. I always look for “first in a new series” because I have this weird gene that makes me have to read in order! I don’t particularly like a heavily “romanced” cozy, but really do gravitate to books that have dogs and cats involved, I guess because they humanize the main character. Who doesn’t like pets? I try to steer away from REALLY improbable situations; you know, the “oh my goodness, here I am in the middle of the night with no cell phone and no one knows where I am” scenario. One of the best ways to pick a new cozy is through recommendations like yours! (Of course, if there’s food involved…..)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bernadette, my need to read Cozy Mystery series chronologically is one of the things that got me going on this site way back in 2006, so I know what you’re talking about! If I read a book out of sequence, I always have a feeling I should know something about the characters >>> sort of like showing up at someone else’s high school reunion, where everyone knows each other and no one knows you.
The pet theme is one of my favorites, and as for the involvement of food >>> last month I read a culinary Cozy that did too good a job injecting food. I got downright hungry, and started craving all sorts of desserts!
P.S. Thank you for the very kind words about the site.
Rob says
Dear Danna and Bernadette: I am a fiend for reading a first in the series and going in order. Do you think we may be sisters? LOL.
I will also go back to a book that I didn’t think I’d like and try it
again-then I like it. Go figure! Fickle me!
No accounting for this weird gene thing is there.
Rob
Linda C says
Rob, Sometimes it depends on the mood the I am in as to what kind of mystery I want to read. Over this last weekend I read M. C. Beaton’s “Death of a Liar” A Hamish Macbeth Mystery. The week before I didn’t want to read any kind of mysteries at all.
This week I am reading a lot of the earlier “Mrs. Jefferies.” novels by Emily Brightwell.
Janice says
I look at the covers and the theme but another factor for me is the location. I almost always will ty a new series if it is set in a town on the ocean, especially New England or the Carolina’s.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Janice, oh, I forgot about location! I love the northern part of the states, New England, and of course, Great Britain >>> especially in the cold months. Living here in San Antonio, Texas, I especially enjoy Cozies with a frigid Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas!
Having definite personal preferences sure makes it easier for us to pick and choose which new-to-me authors we all try…
Karen L. says
Settings and occupations are important to me. I am drawn to coastal settings and culinary, coffee shops, as well as bookstores. If they include all 3 on a beach or island – It it a sure thing for me.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Karen L, oh my gosh, you and Janice have a common theme! So it sounds like you would enjoy a Cozy Mystery series set in a coffee shop on Martha’s Vineyard that has a book exchange/reading corner where they serve the most delicious cupcakes, pies, cakes, and finger food…
Sheila says
#4 doesn’t sound weird to me at all. Sometimes all’s it takes is a nice book cover to catch your interest and your eye. I know it does for me.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sheila, and some of the covers are so terrific these days! Sometimes I see a cover that really doesn’t do the series justice, and I almost feel like writing the author and telling her/him to change artists!
Margaret M. says
I definitely like cozies with smart, strong and independent women as the slueth. Especially if it is a character I can identify with.
I tend to prefer books set in New England/Northeast or any place along the East Coast. Although I do read one or two set in the Midwest and West Coast. But I really enjoy books set in areas/cities or states I am familiar with (even if the setting is fictionalized.)
I tend to gravitate to professions (or themes) I have an affinity for. And if I am just browsing books the cover art can definitly draw me in.
Once I choose a book, I can tell pretty quickly if I will like it and want to continue with the series. Sometimes I find a book that I thought would be great, but after reading a few chapters I have to give up. It is usually because of the characters; I have to like the characters, that is the most important. If I can not relate to the characters or don’t like the characters I can’t continue reading. That really is the make or break for me.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Margaret M, I try to read a few new-to-me authors between my favorite authors’ Cozies. Sometimes I am absolutely sure I’m going to like a series until I start reading the first book. I have stopped reading several (it feels like it’s “many”!) new-to-me series because I don’t find the main sleuth someone I want to be with for hours and hours. These are “people” with whom we will be spending many, many hours!
Sandy says
For me, I usually go by themes. My tastes are always changing. I may read a couple books with a knitting theme, then I am ready to try something else. An interesting cover will make me pick a book up and then I will read the description and see if it is something that interests me. Location is huge for me. I gravitate toward books set in the Midwest or New England states. If a book is set in the southwest or south, I probably won’t read it. I don’t like books set in the desert. I read my favorite author Louise Penny’s first book because it was set in a small village in Quebec and my father is from a small village in Quebec, so that drew me in at first. I found I loved her style of writing and eagerly look forward to her next book.
I read a lot of historical mystery books and while they are not considered cozies, I love them. Thank goodness there are enough books and authors that there is a book for everyone.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sandy, it sounds like you’re open to many different themes, which is nice. I tend to gravitate toward some over others. That’s really neat about finding an author whose books you enjoy reading that give you a feeling for your dad’s childhood. (I hope that sentence makes sense to you!)
Robin says
The cover is first when I’m looking for a book. Then I read the synopsis of the book. Reviews sometimes help me determine if it is something I would read but the theme of a book attracts me more.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Robin, if I were going to self-publish a Cozy Mystery series, I would hire an artist to make the same types of covers that established author have. That’s how important I think a cover is!
Jenn says
Since I’m fairly new to the world of cozies, it feels like I’m always reading new authors!
That being said, I am slightly picky about what I look for in a new series. Like you, I’m drawn to themed mysteries, especially those with needlework (I cross stitch and knit), cats (I have 3), the paranormal, and books (since I work in a library). I also like a female character with a 20ish to 40ish age range (I’m mid-30s), with some sort of love interest (which probably stems from years of romance reading). I’m not a big fan of first books where the heroine is the suspect, but her involvement with the mystery has to be believable. That being said, I have been known to forgive a few plot holes for the sake of a strong and/or interesting character! Unlike romance (where the cover is a deciding factor for me) I haven’t yet chosen (or discarded) a cozy based on the cover art.
Apparently I’m a very ego-centric reader! 😉
BTW, I love your site! As a compulsive list maker, it’s wonderful!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jenn, it seems like the sleuth being the suspect is happening more and more frequently in the first books of series. It sure seems like an easy way for the sleuth to find out she has the hidden talent of sleuthing.
P.S. I’m glad you’re enjoying my site. Compulsive is the correct word!
Donna Mc says
All of the above mentioned reasons, but I also read the first couple of pages to see if the writer’s style appeals to me. Sometimes the book’s cover, description, theme appeal to me, but the writing doesn’t grab my attention. If it seems like it’s going to be a struggle for me to get to the good parts, I usually won’t buy it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Donna Mc, just two weeks ago I tried a new-to-me author. I consider my vocabulary to be OK, I never studied the dictionary, but I can get by. Anyway, that’s what I thought until I tried that author! I struggled with her use of large, five/six syllable words in lieu of using a two/three syllable word. If it hadn’t been for my Kindle’s dictionary (which I had to consult many, many times) I wouldn’t have continued reading the book for as long as I did. I found this not only to be annoying, but pretentious as well! I should have tried a few pages of her writing style!
Jacquie says
Great question! And many good answers already. As a former graphic designer, I’m gratified to hear covers are so important, and I do think they’ve gotten better and better. The voice of the main character is extremely important. Do I want to make the commitment to spend time with him or her? A humorous voice pulls me in, for example, I love the Maddie Hunter series. I prefer cozies with a professional protagonist, especially with a connection to art, archaeology, museums, travel, nature or wildlife. Minimal romance. Isolated setting, bonus points. If Agatha Christie is invoked anywhere on the cover, I’m in.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jacquie, I’m surprised by how many of us think the cover is so important. I was almost embarrassed to put it down as a factor I look at!
Susan* says
Cover art for me is a big thing for me, too – like you, Danna, I’m not so keen on the photographic stuff. It just doesn’t seem ‘cozy’ somehow. (How’s that for weird? Lol!)
Then there’s the titles. Some of them are ‘very’ clever!
The theme can be a big thing, too. If it’s something unusual, I’ll usually give it a try. (Laura Di Silverio’s ‘Mall Cop’ series is a prime example, here.)
No offense to anyone, but there’s a lot of animal themes out there, and a lot of various crafty themes – knitting, needlework, etc. Not that these are bad, there’s a lot of good series with these themes – but something different always catches my attention.
The main factor, though, is often just the fact that it ‘is’ someone new-to-me. I like variety, and while I always enjoy catching up with and re-reading favourite authors, I like something new as well, and I’m always willing to give something different a try.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan*, ordinarily I don’t like “the photographic stuff” (to use your words), however some of the photos they are putting out now are just too cute! I love Laurien Berenson‘s recent covers. The dogs are absolutely too adorable!
I am with you about the titles that are coming out. I have read that some authors have contests to find their titles. However they get them, some of them are very, very clever.
Ana says
Theme and setting are my magnets. I love food and book themes, as well as cities I know or would like to know get my attention.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ana, “magnets” is exactly what they are! (I like the food theme, but not when the author describes every little morsel she eats.)
MARILYN says
i like most books. i read cozies, murders, bio’s books about movie stars etc. i get magazines that review books. i go on amazon and read the reviews
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marilyn, that’s a great idea. The reviews help a lot…
Joan in VA says
I thumb through the book randomly, reading bits and pieces. If the protagonist is full of angst, I will probably avoid the book like it was the plague. Nothing is more annoying than an author whose characters dither … does he love me … am I doing the right thing by liking him … does this sweater look sexy on me …. does the new recipe really work or am I deluding myself …. etc. I can tolerate some of this stuff, but my limits are low.
MJ says
WOW! I totally agree! Lack of confidence in the main character is just plain boring/irritating to me. That’s not to say the main character has to be perfect, though.
So-o-o-o well said, Joan!
Chris says
Characters are key. The characters have to be relatable not exaggerations of actual people even though they are in a tense situation such as a murder.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Chris, so true! Who wants to spend time with a person they don’t like? And, to me, the characters in the Cozies I read become people…
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Joan in VA, what a good description of a sleuth we shouldn’t read. I like my sleuths strong and independent, but not strong enough to find clues and keep them to themselves. I started a series a while back whose sleuth found a clue the police had over-looked and she didn’t tell them about it. She was strong-willed and independent to the point of being a twit! (Anyway, that’s what I thought.)
Leta says
I’m rather new to the mystery genre, but I do tend towards books with a paranormal theme (LOVE ghosts!). I also enjoy books set in a Victorian house, as I have a mild obsession with them at the moment. And if the mood strikes me, I’ll seek out holiday themes as well.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Leta, I never thought I would like a paranormal themed Cozy, but now I find that a have a few on my favorites list. Victorian houses seem like ideal places for Cozies to take place in, and the holiday theme… What can I say? >>> I love holiday themed Cozies!
Gayle says
Covers, recommendations, themes…however if the first page does not draw me in…I don’t read it at that time…maybe later, I will be intrigued. I just started Karen Golden’ “The Cat(s?) That”…series. I think I have found another terrific author.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Gayle, well at least you don’t waste any time. Back when I read “real books” instead of Kindle ebooks, I had a fifty page rule. Unfortunately sometimes I didn’t make it that far.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
As some of you know, I started a Facebook page. I just got Toni L.P. Kelner’s permission to reprint her comment, which gives us an author’s perspective:
Toni L.P. Kelner (aka Leigh Perry):
“When I was pitching my current series to my now-retired-editor, she pushed strongly for a cat or dog in the book because she swore that books with cats and dogs on the cover sell better for them. (Them being Berkley Prime Crime.) I thought she was nuts, but I made sure there was a dog in my series, and that dog has been on every cover. And darned if I haven’t run into a fair number of people who said they picked up one of the books because of that dog, and I have Amazon reviews that say the same thing. My editor was brilliant, no doubt.”
Hilary says
LOL, well that explains it! I’ve noticed that many (most?) cozy covers feature a cat, dog or both, or occasionally another type of pet, like Bluebeard the parrot in the Haunted Souvenir Shop series by Christy Fifield. Berkley Prime Crime puts out a lot of cozies, but you also see pets on many cozy covers from other publishers as well.
I read a variety of books- historical fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, some women’s fiction/romance, and mysteries (both procedural/detective and cozy). I started reading cozies about 4-5 years ago and these days they make up the bulk of my fiction reading. I’ve noticed over these years the number of cozies featuring pets on the cover has gone way up and it seems many or most of the sleuths in the newer series I’ve read are all pet owners.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hilary, well said! I have noticed this trend, also.
Carolyn says
I like cozy mysteries with older women in their 60s or older. They have more experience in life and have friends who have similar interests. Since I am a retired teacher, I enjoy mysteries about careers and interesting hobbies. I have gotten past the stage where a man must come in and save her but she is able to save herself. It is always sad when an author I enjoys dies but I am learning to use your site to try authors and get suggestions.
Chris says
I would love to see cozies with young adults. I believe they too have life experience that people underestimate because their insight because of their age.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Chris, I don’t know what you think of as “young adults”. What a great idea for a theme! I’ll see what I can do with it… Thanks for the idea!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carolyn, I finally dropped one of my very favorite Cozy Mystery series because I noticed a pattern of a man coming in at the end of the book and saving the sleuth. Once I’ll say OK to, twice I’ll start wondering about, but the third time he saves her, I’m out!
Chris says
What attracts me to a cozy is the synopsis of the book, the cover, and my fondness of the entire cozy genre. Also word of mouth is what draws me to a new book. Also, the characters of the novel are what pull me to the book.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Chris, the synopsis has a big play in choosing to read a Cozy, however, once I’m attached to a favorite author I don’t even bother looking at the synopsis. I just know I’ll enjoy the next book in the series. And characters are exceptionally important. I can’t imagine staying with a series that has a sleuth you don’t like…
MJ says
Like everyone else the protagonist is important – smart, savvy, etc. HOWEVER one doesn’t know this when first selecting a book in a new series.
First of all, there is the cover. I KNOW this is shallow, but if it’s a scary or more realistic cover I generally don’t look at the book. NOW contrary to that statement – just take a look at the cover of Ellen Crosby’s new book (Ghost Image) on the right side of Danna’s posting. I normally wouldn’t pick up that book – don’t like the cover.
However, I will read it because I like this author (yes, I know it’s the second book in the series). The cover of the first book is just as oft-putting. I liked the wine country series, so I knew I’d read this series. (Other exceptions include Hank Phillippi Ryan and Margaret Maron – their covers are oft-putting to me also).
Take a look at another cover on the right hand side, ‘Gone by Dark’ by Christy Barritt…………I don’t like it and I don’t know the author, so I will not read it. I know, I know, again it’s shallow! BUT that’s where I start. I like the cover (and title) to be more whimsical.
I wouldn’t read a lot of the cozies if I only read books in which the theme interested me. I don’t drink tea/coffee, knit, crochet, scrapbook, have an herb garden, antiques, book binding, home repair, etc. Some of the best mysteries I’ve read involve interests I don’t have in common with the story. If the subject/theme gets too detailed within the story, I just skip through those paragraphs. I usually won’t select a book with a paranormal theme.
Next, I only read books with female protagonists. Don’t know why. I used to read any mystery, but now I narrow it down. Tim Myers and Miranda James wouldn’t like to hear this, but I only read books by female authors (most likely the reason they use female pseudonyms). I have yet to read John Grisham, Stephen King, James Patterson, etc. books. Although, I do enjoy books by female/male writing teams.
The characters are top notch MOST important to me and I enjoy (really prefer) sub plots along with the mystery story line. Also, I enjoy some humor and ‘light heartiness’. I have to read the book to find out if these factors are in play or not. Often times I can tell in the first 25 pages or so, most times giving it 50 pages. But I certainly don’t know when first trying to assess whether it’s a book I’ll like or not.
My general rule is to pick up the first book of a series at the library. Then I don’t have anything invested in it if I don’t like the characteristics I find important.
I, too, depend on the recommendations of this site — especially when I see someone recommend books I like, then I know I might like other series they have suggested which I haven’t read yet. The exception to this is the voracious reader with a variety of tastes, like Danna. There are several series she suggests that I enjoy, and others that I don’t. No offense – I just don’t have the ‘eclectic’ tastes that she and others who post here have.
NOW, I MUST get back to the latest Joan Hess (Claire Malloy) release I just started — good cover, GREAT characters, and LOTS of humor!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
MJ, as soon as you said “I KNOW this is shallow” I thought, that’s exactly why I didn’t want to confess to it. You are so right about some covers simply turning us away because they don’t look like the colorful Cozy book covers we are all used to. I just don’t get why some authors don’t pick out better covers. I’d definitely look at it as a good investment if I were a Cozy Mystery author.
As for the themes, since I try so many new-to-me series, I’ve read lots of Cozies with themes I don’t particularly enjoy. If an author doesn’t get too bogged down with including step-by-step instructions or detailed descriptions then it doesn’t matter to me, as long as I like the characters, settings, and writing style.
Not to worry, MJ, no offense taken! A friend of mine and I have very similar Cozy Mystery taste, but there are several authors who she has told me about who have rated a “*****YUCK” on the list of authors I keep.
P.S. I have a feeling we’re going to see Joan Hess on your monthly recommendations!
Stash Empress says
I think the most important thing that makes me pick up a book is that the theme/setting/character/etc. sparks some interest in me– that can be an unusual sleuth like a ghost (Aunt Dimity, Bailey Ruth, etc.), a wacky cast of characters (Claire Malloy series, Donna Andrew’s Meg Langslow series, etc.), an unusual location/destination (Ellery Adams’ new Book Retreat series), a type of business I have a particular affinity for (Death On Demand series), etc.
I also find that while I might like a certain “genre” (eg. food themes), I tend to gravitate towards the kinds of food themes that I actually LIKE — (Joanna Carl’s Chocoholic Mysteries, Pie Shops, etc.) — and give a pass to those foods that I’m not fond of — (eg. soup shop, cheese shop, etc.)– not that there’s anything wrong with those books — just since I’m not into cheeses or soups, I’m just not tempted to pick up those books.
Similarly, I sew & have done various types of needlework, so sewing books & anything about vintage fashions/fabrics grabs me — but I don’t quilt or knit, so I tend to skip many (but not all) of the many knitting & quilting mysteries that are multiplying like weeds lately. If there’s a certain something else in the series that grabs me then I may start & come to love a series about quilting or knitting, but in general I wouldn’t go for it just on the basis of it being a “needlework cozy”.
And of course the book cover is a big grab — though lately I’ve found that quite a few of the covers are better than their contents & that can be very disappointing — the cover looked so GOOD!!!
(and why am I even joining in this discussion right now? in 9 hours I need to be at the hall & haven’t finished sewing my MOB gown!!!!!!)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Stash, I have to admit I was pretty surprised to see that you were able to squeeze this long comment in when you are getting so close to your daughter’s wedding! Wow! There’s nothing like multi-tasking!
Rachel A Hyde says
Following this with interest! I read the synopsis and love a book with lots of plot – if it sounds thin I won’t bother with it. I also love historical mysteries and anything set in an unusual time or place. As for themes I have long since realized that for some reason topics of particular interest often seem to feature in series I don’t like! I am yet to find a series with an archaeological theme I enjoy despite being fascinated by the subject to give an example. So I don’t mind what the theme is, in fact I have often picked books with a theme that does not interest me and been rewarded with a good story. I don’t mind if the authors or their protagonists are male or female and can be any age. I have to read the book first in order to tell whether I like them or not. I won’t pick a book that looks as though it is going to be predominantly a romance if it is supposed to be a mystery. A good mystery has plently of detecting in it and everything else taking a back seat, or at least that is my opinion.
Sandy says
Have you tried the Elly Griffiths novels? Her character Ruth Galloway is an anthropologist who investigates old bones. The stories are interesting and involve some history
Rachel says
Thank you for your suggestion, yes I have. I had forgotten about them and they are quite good, not up to Kate Ellis standard but entertaining. I guess I tend to think of both series as police procedurals with a plot that has something to do with past crimes.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rachel, after reading your comment, I started wondering if I’m willing to try a lot of different themes, and I’m sorry to say that I’m not. I wish I could be as open as you are about being willing to try all/any of them. I have to admit that there are some that I simply do not find appealing at all. I am now wondering if I’m missing out on some Cozy Mystery authors who write terrific mystery books!
Joanne says
It is two things for me. First, it is the author’s style and second it is the main character’s personality and development. The perfect combination is the Agatha Christie books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Joanne, you aren’t kidding about Agatha Christie! What a great story-teller! When people tell me they are new to the Cozy Mystery world of reading and ask for a suggestion, I tell them to start with Christie…
Arlene says
Interesting comments. I do look to suggestions here for a first read of an author. However, I look for academic/library/bookstore/museum themes. Look for setting in places where we have traveled – so I can go there again – or places I know I will never get to but one can wish. A major issue in my reading is that I really do not enjoy books written in the first person, although I have a few that I follow. I also tend to prefer older characters where events are the focus and avoid characters who are angst. That does not mean much of the action cannot exist in the mind of the main character – I love Napoleon Bonaparte and Maigret – speaking of places and times I like to visit but never will!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Arlene, I love your sentiment: “Look for setting in places where we have traveled – so I can go there again”. A lot of the Cozies these days provide us with such terrific information about locations, that the locations almost become a character in the series.
(I was actually surprised that I read so many series by authors who use first person narration when I posed that question a little while back. Apparently I don’t even notice when it’s being done!)
Dru says
I’m a visual person, so it’s the cover first, then the blurb, and I also love the word “first in a series.” I also go by recommendation, but with so many cozy mysteries out there, I read what keeps my interest.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Dru, I was almost embarrassed to admit to the cover affecting my decision, so I’m feeling a whole lot better the covers mean so much to a whole lot of us!
Julie says
Since I have been a member of this site, I will admit that you greatly influence my reading by having all of the information on thousands of books in one spot and I don’t have to comb several bookstores to find that one good book or twelve (Thank You!) But when I am trolling a book aisle, what attracts me first to a new series is the title. The cornier the better! My first was “The Quiche of Death”. I don’t know what it is about a corny title that gets me interested. If I am looking specifically for something new to read, I like to go by theme first and location second. If the theme is about a bakery for example (I love to bake), I will buy it over a book whose theme is say candle making. What keeps me reading is whether or not the character is a strong, smart and independent. I have stopped reading a non-cozy series because no matter how strong the female character was written (she was Chief of Police), she always had to have a male character advise her and help her catch the bad guy. Kind of deflates the whole strong independent vibe. What keeps me reading is the ability of the book to make me laugh ie Janet Evanovich, M.C. Beaton and Jenn McKinlay.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Julie, I am so glad you like having all of your Cozies in one place. Some of the current titles are awards-worthy! Dead to the Last Drop, Sleeping with Anemone, Eggsecutive Orders, Sugar and Iced, Duck the Duck the Halls, I could go on and on!
Marja says
Savvy female protagonist
Cover art that draws me to pick up the book — many have cats on the covers and that DOES attract me indeed — but that cat better feature in the mystery!
Good writing — at least from what I can tell from reading sample paragraphs
“Theme” that appeals to me, but not too “theme-y” … does that even make sense …?
Rooted in the real world, though I don’t mind a supernatural touch here and there.
LOCATION ia a big one. Is it a place I have been and loved? Is it a place I’m curious about? Will it introduce me to a particular culture or historical period? Or, is it set in an historical era about which I enjoy reading?
God bless you, Danna, for starting this website! I”ve gotten some good recommendations from here and you’ve helped me find the books in order! Crucial to read in order!
I also found a site that covers International Mysteries :^)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marja, well I have been duped by one of my favorite sleuths. What I thought made her a “savvy female protagonist” was actually masquerading a wishy-washy woman. Needless to say, I have dropped that sleuth and her author from my favorites list.
“Not too ‘theme-y'” makes perfect sense. I’m guessing you like a theme to be in the background, not center-stage, like an instructional pamphlet.
Joyce Ann Brown says
Such interesting comments. I agree with most of you–the cover along with the title gives me an initial clue to the theme and the setting of a mystery. Then I always read the blurb to make sure I’m really interested. There are some exceptions to that order. Destroyer Angel by Nevada Barr doesn’t look like a book I’d like. The cover and title look dark and distressing. However, a friend suggested the book. The blurb made me want to read it, and I’m glad I did. I’ve learned more about far-flung places from mystery fiction, especially cozies, as I have from all the web sites and non-fiction I’ve ever read. Thanks for all the suggestions on this site.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Joyce Ann, it sure is nice to find out about places with a favorite sleuth. However, that works both ways for me. There are some locations I simply am not interested in learning about, so unless that setting is part of a series I follow, I probably won’t add it to my books-to-try list.
Linda C says
Joyceann, I love Nevada Barr but I wouldn’t classify her books as being ” cozies>” Just my input.
Kim says
Wonderful insights so far for budding authors. We all should offer a course for aspiring cozy writers.
My reading interests have evolved over the years. I read non fiction heavily with stacks of fictional books in an equal pile. I am less and less interested in fiction involving a gruesome or depressing setting. Like all of you, I love relaxing with a good cozy read. I am an old Barb Michaels fan.
The cozy genre is fascinating in its appeal. That appeal is worthy of analysis in and of itself.
Take for starters the book covers, highly magnetic. But if so, why is it that so many now prefer the ultra minimalist look of homes featured today? A wonderfully cluttered Victorian has less and less appeal for today’s homebuyer. But toss a dog, rocking chair, stack of books or colorful yarn and many seem to love it, myself included.
And next, how about locations? We seem to love the cozy town, where people know your name, the ‘village effect’ I call it. It is certainly nice to have lovely scenery, some regionality invoked with sweet tea, screened doors or lobster pots.
And of course, the lead role…a competent adult Nancy Drew…even an aged one who is smart but with traits we identify with…an everyday person. I guess I wonder if something is missing in our fast paced world that makes a cozy so very cozy! I actually took one along for my colonoscopy reading while waiting for the sedation. And yes, the staff admired the cover to ‘Assault and Pepper’, a magnet to all.
Thank you Danna for your wonderful efforts to offer this site and get us together.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kim, I know that if I were an author, I’d give my book covers a lot of thought after reading these comments!
I posted Toni L.P. Kelner’s comment (from over on Facebook) because I think she makes a great point about the importance of covers.
It sounds like you might have converted a few of the medical staff to Cozy Mysteries. Good for you!
Linda MH says
I’m loving this discussion! I have to agree with Dru’s comments. The cover first–I won’t even pick a book up if the cover doesn’t grab my attention, and I like a contemporary look on the cover of a book. The blurb is next. If the description doesn’t appeal to me, or if I find it a bit confusing or poorly worded (which happens more frequently than you think), I won’t buy the book. I just figure if the blurb isn’t well-written, then the book won’t be well-written.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda MH, I read a lot of blurbs on Amazon and am always amazed when the blurb is poorly written. I feel the same way you do. If the blurb isn’t any good, I don’t expect the book will be that much better!
Kalena H says
Titles! They are my first clue (so to speak) about the author’s sense of humor which is an important element in the mysteries I love. Any mystery with a Hawaii setting is a winner and I love bookstore settings as well. Primarily, the lead character needs to be a resourceful woman (think Goldie Schulz, Helen Hawthorne) with some life experience. Covers often mislead me so now I look at a few pages and also read other reader reviews.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kalena H, remember when they had titles like The Body in the Library and Murder in Mesopotamia? Not so anymore!
Dotty says
I like to see the words “First in a new series” when looking to buy books. I then look at the cover picture and then read the synopsis.
I like books with recipes, but I think my favorite interest is the Victorian era.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Dotty, I know this is off-topic but, have you ever followed a recipe out of a Cozy Mystery? I always read through them, but I’ve never actually tried one…
Joan in VA says
I have – several times. Some have worked out perfectly, and others, not so much. I have had better luck with the Diane Mott Davidson recipes than others.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Joan in VA, I keep meaning to do an entry about recipes that people have gotten from Cozy Mysteries that turned out fabulously.
Kathie Deviny says
I normally look for Marilyn Stasio’s great reviews of mysteries in the New York Times. I also look for mysteries with a church setting, because that’s what I write. And of course, this website is the answer to a cozy reader’s dream.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kathie, I might have to start reading her reviews. Does she write a lot of them on Cozies?
Janel says
I know the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is so cliché but really it is what attracts me first. Then i’ll pick up a book and read the synopsis as to what it’s about. Next perhaps is the author writing the book. Last for me, is usually word of mouth and the rankings of the reviews.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Janel, it looks like a lot of us do judge our books by their covers!
elizabeth says
I love all types of books. I have discovered cozies that are based on books so on to many new titles. I really like Julie Kaewert’s books!
Just finishing “Unsolicited”. This book is set in England.
I recommend them to book lovers who want an exciting read without 400 pages.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Elizabeth, thanks for the Julie Kaewert shout-out!
I’m not crazy about Cozies that are 400 pages long. They had better be doggone good!
Barb B W says
I have a group of favorite authors and I devour everything they put out. But I also like to “meet” new authors, usually on Facebook.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Barb B W, I pre-order all of my favorite authors books as soon as I find out about them but try to sprinkle new-to-me authors in between. It looks like your system works well for you…
Patti S. says
I look at the cover, read what it is about and I do not want to read a story with sex or violence.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patti S, so many people are saying the cover is the first thing we look at, I think I’ll have to do an entry asking what we all like to see in our Cozies…
Mark says
I am always looking for Halloween entries and, as a teacher, any mysteries with a school/academic setting.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mark, then I have two themes you will probably be interested in:
Halloween Mystery Book List
Teachers as the Main Sleuths in Mystery Books…
Hilary says
I too look at the covers. The cover art for cozies is often quite lovely so how can you not notice it??? But I read the synopsis to see if the story would be something I’d find interesting and appealing. And yup, “first in a new series” is a draw for me as well. I read a variety of stories regarding characters’ ages/locations/occupations/hobbies.
Unless I win the lottery I won’t have the money or time to buy and read a copy of every cozy book that could potentially appeal to me, so I scout out which new books have great appeal, and I have a growing list of cozy authors who are absolute must-buys when a new book of theirs comes out.
I use Amazon’s recommendations guide as a source for info about upcoming cozy releases. I always make sure to check off and give 5 stars to any cozy I buy from my Amazon book recommendations regardless of where I actually bought the books, since I mainly buy from my local Barnes & Noble stores and only buy from Amazon occasionally. Of course Danna I frequently check out your Upcoming Book Releases page too, so between your list and my Amazon recommendations I can keep up to date in my upcoming book release file, which I have saved on my computer. And I keep a current month/next month book releases list on my iPad for my book buying trips.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hilary, I have a list of favorite authors who I buy immediately. Their covers, synopses, or even the recommendations/reviews don’t affect me at all. There are just some authors who I have got to read. However, as difficult as it is to drop the authors, if they don’t deliver the goods, I drop them.
Vivian says
That is so ironic that you mentioned the covers being an important part of how you choose a book because I have really noticed that the covers have improved over the last several months of releases – and it’s a good thing! I don’t like to give negative reviews of a book, but I actually commented back to one author about her book cover – it was so bad I had skipped over her book several times and somehow eventually went back to read it and would have missed out on a great story if I hadn’t!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Vivian, hopefully that author finds another artist with who she can work. If the author is with a big publishing house, I hope she complains about bad artwork. I was embarrassed to admit that I look at the covers, and was sort of surprised by how many of us seem to do that!
Carrie says
Location is probably the biggest draw for me, I love reading series that are set in places I have traveled to. Theme and cover are important to me also.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carrie, and it works the opposite way. I really enjoyed being immersed in Laura Childs’ Scrapbooking series, even before I started visiting (my daughter worked there for a year.) It was really neat to see places Carmela and the gang frequented.