A little while back, I got an interesting question from Patti. Rather than rephrase it, I’m going to just quote some of Patti’s letter:
What types of cozies do you and your cozy-mystery loving friends like the best: Thought provoking? Darker? Lighter? Silly? Nothing but humor? A mixture of humor, seriousness, dark and character warmth?
I like a mixture of everything but find that lately I’m turned off by cozies that are way, way, way too silly or ones where the protagonist is too stupid to live. I can take a little bit of the too stupid to live thing, but sometimes it’s way out of control. Silliness with little to no depth of character bugs me! I kind of wish we had more gothic-like (Victoria Holt-ish!) cozies that give the reader a feel for time and place and characterization, but still move at a great pace.
For my own response, I’ll say that I do appreciate both comedic and dramatic elements as long as they are done well. I try to see the best in all the books I read, and there are plenty of great Cozies that lean strongly toward one end of the spectrum or the other! That said, all of the authors that I consider my particular favorites tend to mix lighter and more serious elements in various amounts >>> after all, it is hard to portray something as serious as murder in a purely comedic light, but it is also hard to hold a reader’s attention for a long period of time without a bit of a lighter element to relax the mood a bit as well.
So I guess I would have to say that I prefer a balance. A good example of this would be Agatha Christie‘s Poirot mysteries. While Christie deals with the actual crime in a very serious manner, there are always interesting, comedic elements that are thrown into her novels. At the same time, I love Anne George‘s Southern Sisters series, and those are pretty funny all the way through.
So,
What types of cozies do you… like the best: Thought provoking? Darker? Lighter? Silly? Nothing but humor? A mixture of humor, seriousness, dark and character warmth?
Please post a comment below. Thank you!
Pat G says
I like the cozies on the lighter side; no heavy sex, swearing or explicit murders. The “heavy” mysteries, leave me cold. I enjoyed the Annie’s Attic series and will read anything by Amanda Lee.
I’m 74 with 75 waving at me, and I am oh so ready for light reading!
michelle says
I like the cozies that get right into the mystery no swearing or heavy sex or a lot of blood and gore. I love Agatha Christie and Phyllis Whitney they were ones you really had to think. Now I like Agatha Frost, Amanda Lee is good. I also don’t like when they start off with I so many times in the first page, once I see that I’m done with that book. Also I am 65 so I like to just sit and read and enjoy some places I’ll never see. A favorite is snowed in or stormy nights.
Kathy says
I agree with you. I’m tired of the heavy sex, violence, and language. Small amounts are okay but not to the extent some writers insist on.
Tari says
I like a good well-rounded cozy. If it’s too dark, then I can’t really think of it as a cozy if that makes sense? One that comes to mind with a lot of my favorite elements was Plantation Shudders by Ellen Byron. I also really liked Murder at Redwood Cove by Janet Finsilver and the Paws & Claws series by Krista Davis. I have read one or two books (not by any of the mentioned authors) that seem a little too out there as far as realism or as Patti said, just silly or like a newbie/very immature person wrote them, but I won’t name them here. They were fairly good stories so I stuck with them. I can usually tell by the cover of a cozy how it’s going to be, almost like you can state that with a cozy most times you actually *can* judge the book by its cover. 🙂
Rachel A says
I agree about Agatha Christie who served up the perfect mix of seriousness, humor, detection and knew how to pace it so it never seemed either rushed or drawn out. I tend to get turned off if I discover that I am reading a romance sold as a mystery and also dislike too much silliness and cliche. I love it when the writer manages to avoid the overdone features of having an interfering mother, eccentric relations and a cop as a love interest. Oh yes and too many cats with the minutiae of their daily lives described in mind numbing detail. Yawn…
A mixture of interesting characters, dark and light moments, some well placed humor and plenty of detecting make for my ideal mystery novel. It sounds obvious but I do want the murder and its solution to take center stage rather than get forgotten about while somebody goes on for too long about something else.
toni says
I totally agree with you and most of the other readers. Hate gory or ridiculously silly…..like everything in between.
Beth says
I loved Anne George also and was devastated when I found out she was dead.
Annie says
Me too – I’ve read all the Southern Sisters and only wish there were more!!
Patti says
Ditto on Anne George and her Southern Sisters. Such a wonderful author and her books simply made me smile.
Jsy says
Dead?!….
Who did it?
Jill says
I love a little humor with my murder.
Marilyn M says
Me too.
Kimberley says
I prefer cozies that are light, humourous and with a dash of romance. Against that backdrop, I really love authors who can richly draw characters that I care about– slightly flawed, intrepid, who don’t take themselves too seriously and who grow as the series continues. And of course, there must be a compelling murder for them to solve.
Rob says
I agree, Kimberly. I like the light, comedic and romantic. I love the mix that the two authors create under the pen of Lucy Arlington. Her Novel Idea mysteries are great with a fun blend of characters, seriousness about the person’s death and commitment to justice for the victim’s family while being light enough to lessen the intensity. I also like Miranda James -Charlie and Diesel series of Cat in the Hat. I like Laura Childs Tea Shoppe and Cackleberry Club offerings. I agree about Agatha and enjoy both Poirot and Marple selections. But then, Dame Agatha was a pro-in all respects.
Mary says
I think there is a place for all types of stories. I agree that I am more often turned off by the “too silly or stupid to live” characters, but that is only me and if I find one of those I simply don’t get more from that author.
I prefer books that balance humor and drama, with characters that are both funny and philosophical. Generally, I just like books that I enjoy and try not to keep reading books I don’t like 🙂
I realize not every reader likes what I like, and also that my tastes change, sometimes with the season, and sometimes over a long period. I would rather pick up a book not to my taste, then only see one type of story available.
Mary Joy says
Though they don’t necessarily have to have humor, I prefer the ones with no angst. At times, there is enough of that going on in life. I do also read the serious or darker ones, and have read whole series of them (example: Jan Burke’s Irene series). However, reading them and other non-cozy psychological types tend to make me anxious. So, I usually choose simple and light so I can escape : )
Mary Joy says
I left out that even though they are light and perhaps humorous, most have very good plots and keep the wheels of the mind churning.
Cheryl says
I like a mixture. I am more interested in the characters in the books and their relationship to other characters. I like copies with animals. My favorite authors are Carolyn Haines, Miranda James, and Kate Carlisle. I have others that I like and if a book sounds interesting, I will read it
Maureen says
I prefer a good Thought Provoking Cozy mystery. I shy away from silly Cozies, not that they can’t be amazing to people..I am more the serious, cozy mystery, non-violent reader. The best example I can offer would be books by Ellery Adams…Her stories have lots of interesting facts and details. The storyline is always bright and “thinkable”…Her books keep your brain thinking thru the whole book!!!…
My favorite stories have a setting/local that is adventurous…such as a Mansion, Seaside B&B, an Irish village…Its fun to read a Food Cozie mow and then…I just need a different way to go in between…xo, Cozy Hugs
Patti says
Maureen, I’ve never read Ellery Adams. Will check her out! Sounds like the type of mysteries I love. Thanks for mentioning her as an author you really enjoy!
Sharon says
Which series of Ellery Adams do you prefer?
Nancy says
I like anything that is intelligently written. Cozied are my favorite, but some have gotten just too precious to be taken seriously. Sometimes it seems books are created from nothing more than a clever title.
Rosemary says
I like intelligent protagonists, humor in the form of wry comments, a setting I enjoy, well plotted, opportunity to learn something, sex and violence off stage. I am partial to ones set in the interwar period, WWII and aftermath, enjoy British settings, and avoid the cutesy ones with puns in the title. Favorite authors are Elly Griffiths, G M Malliet, Elizabeth Speller, Stephen Kelly, Peter Lovesey, M L Longworth, to name a few.
Jeanine says
I don’t particularly like the silly cozies. And I am turned off by the cutesy pun titles. I much prefer a serious mystery like the Louise Penny and Sue Grafton books — but I don’t consider them Cozies. Am I wrong? Are they considered Cozies?
Elle says
Hi technically I dont think Louise Penny’s books are considered cozys but are classified as traditional mysteries probably because of swearing in the books. Just a guess. She is my favorite author and a wonderful, kind person. Another author to check out who I dearly love is Charles Finch. He writes the Lenox mysteries set in Victorian England. Wonderful books and he is engaging on Facebook too. Enjoy
Rusty says
I love the laugh-out-loud cozy, with an unwittingly serious female sleuth who manages to solve the mystery and save the day like Janet Evanovichi’s Stephanie Plum. I also love themed mysteries like cooking; older women sleuths like Rita Lakin novels. Once in a while I will read a darker cozy but prefer ones that move along at a faster pace.
linda says
I love Stephanie Plum…lol
Jenni says
I prefer light, comedic stories, but with warmth and character development. I find them a wonderful break when the world is just too much. I really appreciate humor done well. It’s not easy. That being said, if there is not some change and development, the same thing rehashed over and over can get old. I also like a good romance with my mystery.
Bek says
OH, my! All sorts, but I’m prone to those written around cats. Something a tad on the serious side, or darker is fine, although not as a total diet plan. And I’ve never minded silly, although I insist on likable characters with a healthy intellect.
LOL…since finding your site, my “to buy” list has swelled to over 500 books! I need more bookcases!
Rob says
Bek, I think you would enjoy the Miranda James series with Charlie and Diesel. I’m not a cat fan so I prefer dogs to go with my sleuths but this one was the exception. Definitely a cat that is a character in the series.
Kathy says
Diesel is definitely a character in this series. I also prefer cats over dogs in stories. They seem to have better personality. But that may be because I prefer cats in my life. I am currently reading the White House Chef series and am inviting it.
Sandy says
I am finding that I gravitate toward mysteries with an historical background. It makes for interesting reading. I don’t mind a touch of humor. I think Elly Griffiths Ruth Galloway series has the right touch of humor while keeping the deaths respectful. I don’t like books where the death is treated frivolously. I know if I found a dead body , it would affect me for a long time. Some if the characters seem not to be bothered at all. I agree, I can’t take the too stupid to live characters. ” meet me in the boathouse at midnight, come alone”
Lynn T. says
I find that I like cozies that are different from all the other cozies that are coming out. I find that I am drawn to cozies that show some originality and plotting skills. Cozies have changed in the past years and are so formula driven now. I suppose they always have had some formulas but the recent group seems so different than the cozies of 10 to 30 years ago. Just think of Charlotte MacLeod writings compared to today’s books. I know many readers probably prefer today’s books.
I find that I am reading fewer and fewer cozies. I have always been a cozy reader but they are getting to be all alike to me. I still like English cozies but don’t think they call them that in the UK. I like cozies with a little bit of an edge. I like cozies that aren’t cookie cutters and the author shows some originality in plotting and writing.
Marie says
Sounds like you and I are interested in the same types of books. Have you read Charles Finch or Charles Todd (a mother/son writing team)? I’ve read them both and I think they fit your requirements.
Lynn T. says
Thanks Marie for your suggestion. I have not read either author. Think I have books from both in my TBR list. Will move them up to read soon. Thanks again!
Meggie says
I agree with Lynn! The late great Charlotte MacLeod
and Lillian Jackson Braun.
I do like some of the Paranormal cozies
as long as they make some kind of sense.
Meggie
Lynn T. says
Meggie- I just think of Charlotte MacLeod and I smile. Many have mentioned Anne George. She fits into the cozy group from 10 to 30 years ago that I mentioned that are so different than the new books coming out now.(for the most part)
I do like some paranormal cozies too like you.
Marilyn M says
I like both of those authors. I like cats and or dogs in my stories.
Especially search and rescue stories.
Patti says
I love historical mysteries. ..I trick myself into thinking I’m learning as well as being entertained.
Iskeleton appreciate ones that take place in another country or time period.
I don’t appreciate foul language or too much romance
Susie says
I tend to lean toward the lighter, more humorous cozies. I’m not a prude, but I also don’t care for a lot of sexual innuendo or mind-numbing violence. I especially love the cozies that involve animals, like the “Paws & Claws” series by Krista Davis. I also love her “Diva” series! Also I really enjoy the books that have recipes included, most notably Joanne Fluke and her “Hannah Swensen Cookie Jar” mysteries.
Annie says
I love cozies that are not extremely silly, or extremely serious. I prefer ones set in quaint settings where you’d love to live, with warm characters that you’d love to be your own friends. A simple plot, a satisfying ending. I’m currently loving Leann Sweeney’s Cats in Trouble series, and I’ve also enjoyed Jenn McKinlay’s Library Lovers series, and Jennifer Stanley’s series including Hope Street Church & Supper Club mysteries (the early ones are the best). Hope they all write more!!
Lucyonline says
I like witty, but not silly. Not everyone has the same definition of humor. However, one snowy winter, I walked into my favorite mystery bookstore and said that I neede something bright and humorous. At that time the didn’t have a humorous mystery category. But the staff could go to various sections a I’ll out a baker’s dozen for me. Next time I returned that staff thanked me so much for my request and showed me the new section for humorous mysteries!
MJ says
I think VARIETY is the success of the cozy genre – lighter, darker, thriller, etc. I agree with Patti – stupidity turns me off to that particular series (AND, there are several out there!). Sometimes authors don’t recognize this, though. I sent an email to one author who wrote a good mystery, but created a fairly stupid protagonist character. As a reader I pointed out to her how this character wasn’t very bright. She returned my email, but disagreed profusely (in fact, I think she felt insulted). Her response was her character loved her family. Huh?
My favorite cozy includes is a SMART and savvy protagonist (and other characters) who engage in light/witty repartee. LOVE it! Kudos to the many very talented/creative authors who accomplish this.
Having said this, there are authors who dumb down their intelligent protagonist by putting them in unwise (mostly downright stupid) situations towards the end of the story. What I do is to skip through that part of the story. We all know the protagonist will extricate herself (or be ‘saved’) because she has to come back for the next book! This way I’ll still like the book, but won’t get upset by the idiocy of that particular situation. It’s my ‘coping’ mechanism.
My method for cozy selection is a ‘mood’ thing. Most of the time I’m in the mood for wittier fare. I’m NOT a fan of the ‘thriller’ mystery (nor the paranormal), but there are some very gifted authors who write a more intense mystery. Hank Phillippi Ryan, Margaret Maron, and Ellen Crosby come to mind – they’re very good story tellers. Others may fall more in the middle like Jeanne Dams, Susan Wittig Albert, Cleo Coyle, and Earlene Fowler (just to name a few). Coyle, Albert, and Fowler accomplish ‘lighter’ with an eccentric character or two, along with a more intense mystery story line.
I also happen to enjoy stories with an interesting ‘issue’ side story. I like this opportunity to learn something new (or become aware/informed), without it being extensive. Some authors do this consistently (Albert, Ryan) weaving it effectively into the story, and some do it occasionally.
AND, I always agree with Danna on Anne George’s Southern Sisters series!!! 🙂
Jane says
I like light reading when I’m reading for enjoyment. I read history or science for heavier reading. I always know within the first chapter or two “Who dunnit” so it has to be entertaining & amusing.
Aye says
Wow, what interesting answers….and I especailly agree with Mary’s comment: I am more often turned off by the “too silly or stupid to live” characters, and I agree that some variety from a.)silly, light, food oriented, cat/dog type stories occasionally to b.) the slightly more serious, detective-golden age type of mystery is the way to go. Variety is the spice….
Reading this makes me wonder if it would be a good idea to actually start a section with suggestions for the various types of cozies, from silly, funny, (but good!), to historical, to more series works, to English village, to retirement/senior hero and heroines, to police procedural types, etc. etc. etc.,and have examples of our favorites to each category. For example, I love Ann Pursers’ books (English Village stories, on the light side, but well done.)
Janice says
I prefer lighter mysteries with some romance and no explicit violence. Before retiring, I worked for many years in a job that brought me into contact with the worst of human nature so I don’t want to confront that in my reading. I also don’t like books that feature supernatural elements, except, of course, my favorite magical cats series by Sofie Kelly. I like smart characters who demonstrate good common sense.
Betsy says
I prefer a lighter cozy. My husband travels a lot and I have an overactive imagination, so it is better for my frame of mind to have a light read! Donna Andrew’s Meg Langslow and Carolyn Hart’s Bailey Ruth Ghost mysteries are among my favorites.
Terrym says
I like a little humor. I just read Murder at an Irish Wedding by Carlene O’Connor. I thought it was funny that the wedding party all got tracksuits alike to take a picture in. Except it backfired and the wrong person got murdered. It was also funny when Siobhan fell out of a tree and scared the guarda that were securing the crime scene.
Susan says
I enjoy cozies that have good mysteries. I like an exciting story with some meat, nothing silly or fluffy. I also think the story should have humor, wit.
I love seeing what my favorite characters are up to when reading a series. I’m not into stories where pets are the characters or play a big part.
Jeannie says
I enjoy a variety. That being said, my preference at the time depends a great deal on what’s going on in my own life/head at the time. When I’m dealing with a great deal of stress, I want the lighter ones. One thing I definitely always want (and it’s one of the reasons that I like cozies) is likeable characters, and people who have good relationships with at least some of the other characters. I will read some police procedurals (for instance, the late Dell Shannon’s books), but even there I want a sense of camaraderie among the detectives. I, too, love the Meg Langslow mysteries by Donna Andrews and the Annie’s Attic mysteries. I also like Catherine Aird’s books, and classics like Agatha Christie’s books and the Miss Silver books.
joQ says
Ooooh, good questions! Good answers, as well! I read according to my mood, really. I like a somewhat silly cozy after a trying day, for example. Overall, I don’t mind stupidity as a point of characterization (preferably in a side character), but I don’t like it as a narrative device. Does that even make sense? I do prefer a story that moves, if you take my meaning, from being serious when it’s warranted to funny when it’s possible and so forth. A one-note cozy invariably seems too long.
Marianne says
My all-time favorite author was Georgette Heyer. Although I don’t like her mysteries much, I love the wit. I agree with everyone about characters “too silly to live.” But I must admit I really enjoy the “Chet and Bernie” books told from the dog’s point of view. They have me laughing out loud!
Joan in VA says
I much prefer intelligent, ‘street-smart’, non-dithering characters. Yes, some dithering is allowed, but not much. I don’t like too much sex in a story, yes, some attraction, but not bed (or other places) scenes. I don’t like a lot of blood on-screen. The victim can bleed but I much prefer the bleeding to be all over with by the time we meet the character. Yes, I am picky. I have been known to delete books from my Kindle without reading all the way through when the plot disintegrates or vanishes. All-in-all, I appreciate good writing, good character development, and good action scenes.
Vanessa says
I like both. Cozy mysteries are my favorite, but I do like a darker more serious mystery occasionally.
Debby says
I love cozies with great characters and interesting settings. I prefer ones that have an equal balance of humor, lightness, and romance. However, if there is a little more seriousness to the story that is okay.
One of my favorite series is The Inspector and Mrs. Jefferies written by Emily Brightwell. I am also a fan of Agatha Christie, Krista Davis’ Paws and Claws series.
No matter what genre I read, the story has to be well-written and the characters well-developed.
Patti says
Thanks, Debby! I just ordered the first Emily Brightwell novel, “The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries.” Looking forward to giving this series a try!
Lois says
I like a variety — M.C. Beaton, Charlotte MacLeod, Louise Penny, Agatha Christie. However, sometimes I like a good laugh like Dorothy Howell’s handbag series and Carl Hiassen. Also, some women sleuths like Sue Grafton’s alphabet series.
KG says
I generally enjoy all kinds of cozies and think there is room for all kinds. I do not like books where the author makes the sleuth seem like an “airhead”. I simply can’t remember an instance where a male sleuth is made to be silly, so why do they do it to females?
Patti says
Wow! Great points, KG! You’re so right about male sleuths rarely being portrayed as silly.
Margaret StashEmpress says
I like humor in my mysteries — BUT — the mystery itself has to have a well plotted story as well! Don’t like too-stupid-to-live characters & don’t like too ditzy or too one-dimensional characters — and if every utterance of the character is “she shrieked”, I’m outta there! I love the Aunt Dimity series, plenty of funny quirky characters, but a good solid story underneath. Loved the Charlotte McLeod books with their humorous characters, but some real people & well thought out plots nonetheless. Just finished Rhys Bowen’s “In Farleigh Field” — totally LOVED IT!!!! Great plot, great historical setting, great characterization. I also dearly love her Royal Spyness series, which are far more humorous — but equally well written & plotted. Its all a matter of doing it well. Funny isn’t funny if there’s nothing else when you get there….
Patrick says
I seem to be one of the few male readers in the blog site, but no problem there. I’m in a pretty high stress kind of job, I’d even call it “cat throat” business, and a nice little mystery with nice likable characters in a genteel setting is one of favorite ways to relax in the evening. I enjoy a lot of witty repartee in the story, preferably with a married or dating couple as the protagonists – lovebirds who tease and banter with each other sort of like the old movie versions of The Thin Man. I’m a fan of some of the 1930’s and 40’s American authors like Helen Reilly, Helen Cloy, Elizabeth Daly. Modern mysteries I like are usually the kind with literate characters like boook shop owners and I get a kick out of the supernatural themed ones, and I especially like a coastal seaside setting. I also enjoy the historical mysteries, particularly with Medieval settings.
Mary Joy says
My son very much enjoys Medieval mysteries also.
Ksmith says
Kate Carlisle Bibliophile books have been a fun read. Not only a mystery but learn about refurbishing old books. Also the White House Chef series.
Beth says
I love this question. While reading all the answers, I went into my town libraries website and looked up the authors and the books available. Keep up the good work.
Thank you
Janet says
I want a cozy that doesn’t insult my intelligence. A good plot, interesting characters, nice location, some lightness and fun but nothing overly silly. No gore, vulgar language, or too much gratuitous sex. I also prefer the detective to be single or perhaps married, but without having children. Often the author thinks they are writing the children as cute sweet children while I find them mostly annoying and cloying.
Just my thoughts.
Janet says
I see Phyllis Whitney was mentioned. I might also add Daphne DuMaurier is excellent author: My Cousin Rachel, Rebecca, and Jamaica Inn are all excllent books and I believe they would fall under the “cozy” heading.
liz says
I love Rebecca and never thought of Daphne DuMaurier as a cozy mystery writer….great idea!
Summer Wilson says
Can you please recommend cozies without a gimmick, such as psychic cats, witches, etc.? Just a straight forward whodunit?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Summer, when in doubt I almost always recommend “the classics” – personally I am particularly fond of Agatha Christie. They would now be considered “period pieces”, though they weren’t at the time of writing (just old enough now to be from a different era), so I hope that doesn’t count as a “gimmick” to you!
Ksmith says
I like a mix. A little crime, a little fun, or a little cats involved. Also a little magic and light witchery. Leave out the heavy sex and such. Leave some things to the imagination. Let me use my ability to go off on a wild daydream. I can’t write but I have a vivid imagination.