A little while ago, Donna wrote me a letter asking me about romance in our Cozy Mystery series. Hmmm… I know there is some romance in most of the series I read, but note, I said some. I find that in the series I follow, there may be a possibility of a romance evolving (usually between the sleuth and a person who is in a law enforcement line of work – sheriff, detective, lawyer, judge, ETC.) However, in some of my series there is a definite couple. But the series I read don’t dwell a lot on the couple or the courting/possibility. Let me get to Donna’s question.
Donna:
I would love to know if any of the other readers enjoy when there is romance involved with the main characters. I have been reading one series for several years but the last book I read I felt like I was reading a romance book. In fact, I forgot someone had been murdered. The theme seemed to be more on if the main character and her boyfriend were going to get back together and if they had sex yet. Needless to say as much as I enjoyed the series at the beginning I will most likely not continue with it. There is another series I read and the focus seems to be more on their relationship instead of the mystery. Does anyone else feel this way?
So, what do you all think? Do you like your Cozies to have a lot of romance in them? Or is too much romance not at all appealing in your Cozy Mysteries?
Kath says
I don’t mind a little but when it becomes too much of the story I walk away.
Blamca says
I agree with the above person. A little is OK but not too much!
Jackie J. Griffey says
I’m a writer but I’m a cozy mystery reader too so am answering Donna as both. That’s how I feel too, if I’d wanted a Romance I’d have bought a Romance but since what I’ve got is more romance, it should have been classified as romance. I feel that very strongly both as a reader and a writer. I have three series plus one I am thinking of changing the genre of to Romantic Suspense since a publisher has a need for those right now. Most of my cozy mysteries are cozy mysteries, though the relationships stay in place and are important too in those series. The series question had already come up as I wrote the last two in the series I call my insurance series. The action being about the coverage mentioned. Since a hither-to not main character but a continuing one is one of the main characters in the fourth book and the publisher is singing the praises of romantic suspense, I was already thinking of changing this one from a cozy series to a romantic suspense. I feel the same way about my cozies. So much of the input from this helpful and friendly group is really a help. BTW, the series that I’m working on #4 of, is my Insurance series. The one in progress is ALL THAT GLITTERS and it’s about J coverage (jewelry and furs) and it’s the one that made up my mind to reclassify it to Romantic Suspense. The other two series and stand alones are remaining the same. Again, thanks for all the input.
Jackie Griffey
Laurel says
Who doesn’t like a little romance? 🙂 But, if it overshadows the mystery of the story, then I think you’ve crossed over into romantic fiction and that’s a totally different genre altogether. I don’t read any cozies where the main character is married so it’s bound to have a significant other somewhere in the story which I do like. And I definitely don’t like sex in the books I read. Hinting at it? Ok, but anything remotely more explicit? No thank you.
Donna says
Sally Goldenbaum is a perfect example of how to add a little romance with out it taking over the book or having it become a romance.
Gail says
I totally agree. If I wanted sex in a book, I wouldn’t be reading mysteries.
Jackie J. Griffey says
Laurel: Thanks to your comment I guess I’d better add to mine that I neither read nor write anything even approaching erotica! LOL.
Jackie
Jenny says
I don’t read romance books. I don’t want it in my mysteries. Yes, they can have a love interest, even if he doesn’t turn out to be the murderer ~grin~, but I don’t want it to be the focus. It’s not why I read cozies.
Yes, walk away and don’t look back. There are so many out there to fit your/my needs.
Lauren says
I prefer not to have any romance in my cozies. I agree, it’s a big distraction. I feel like it cheapens the story . If i wanted that I would read romance novels and not mysteries.
reginav says
Danna,I think it is an unescapable fact that if you have as a sleuth a woman and her counterpart is a man in law enforcement, you will have a romantic involvement.if their interest is kept to a minimum, find it acceptable but when it evolves into a steamy affair, i draw the line.Sometimes marriage will bring an end to the series. Witness “Miss Zukas” who married the police chief and there were no more books.
Nancy says
The only thing worse than romance in a mystery book is when the heroine can’t decide between two men. It makes the heroine seem like an airhead, and if I don’t have any respect for the character, I cannot enjoy the book.
Donna says
I thought the same thing Nancy. If she is smart enough to figure out who the killer was can’t she make up her mind about a guy.
Pat says
I just finished a book with this problem, and the “romance” in the books just bordered on soft porn. Not my type of book. One author off my list.
Gayle says
Am in agreement, with one big exception, Joanne Fluke, I feel that Hannah’s guys, help her focus. Either by helping her or challenging her.
Coreen R says
I completely agree..too much romance muddles the plot (except for Joanne Fluke’s books)
Christine says
I love the Hannah Swensen mysteries but it drives me crazy that she hasn’t chosen between Norman and Mike. It’s unbelievable to me that she’s not having a “sleepover” with either of these guys. I’ve lost respect for Norman for waiting around like a little puppy dog. He built her a house for heaven’s sake. This is a case where its questionable if there is any romance in Hannah’s relationships.
On the other hand, I’m fine with Stephanie Plum having two guys. I think Janet Evanovich handles it perfectly.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Christine, while I really like Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen Mystery Series, I am impatient about this triangle. I know this isn’t nice to say, but I would absolutely love it if Norman found a wonderful woman to fall in love with AND marry. I guess that would make Hannah’s decision a whole lot easier! Let’s face it, I think we are all “rooting” for Norman, and wonder why he is still (as you say) “waiting around like a little puppy dog.”!!!
Rose says
I don’t mind a little romantic tension as a sub plot. Where I get bothered is if the boy chases girl takes forever. The ones where she can’t make up her mind over more than just a few books, that’s where I get annoyed.
One of the things I love about cozy mysteries is that they can focus more on the characters and their relationships, friendships and beyond. So long as they evolve, and don’t take away from the mystery, I’m all for it.
Harriet says
I also enjoy a little romance. I don’t mind some sexual tension when it fits. I don’t want to read about the details and I don’t want vivid descriptions of physical responses to that tension. I don’t want it to be more important than the mystery. I like friends who discuss the case over coffee and cake or tea and scones, not as pillowtalk after scorching hot sex.
Donna says
Thank you so much. Love all of the responses and it’s so good that other people feel the same way. I don’t mind some romances in fact sometimes it’s helpful but a couple of series I was reading got a little carried away and forgot about the mystery. I found myself getting bored.
Chloe Jean says
If i wanted to read romance,I’d read romance novels which i don’t. Some romance such as the relationship in the Benni Harper mysteries by Earlene Fowler, or ‘flirtations’ can be fun and add a human element to the mystery stories. Even Agatha Raisin has some hilarious encounters with the men in her life, but it isn’t the main story.
Behunan says
I personally like a little romance in my cozies but agree it shouldn’t be the main theme. I have found some authors have written a more romance than mystery book….maybe to test the waters. Usually the next in the series is back on track so maybe give your author 1 more book before giving up.
Rebl says
I don’t mind the romance, so much as I mind when I find the characters doing something stupid they never would have done in the beginning of the series. I have stopped reading series when that happens. I have pretty much stopped reading the Stephanie Plum series, please enough already. I do like her Diesel and Lizzy series, but there are only two books in the series.
Stash Empress says
Like many others, I don’t mind a little “lite” romance in my cozies — I *don’t* like explicit sex in my cozies — then they’re not cozy anymore and I personally don’t care to read that kind of book. I agree that the series where the sleuth is more concerned with the erotic aspects of her day/night than with the bullets whizzing overhead — those are just beyond distracting — I really don’t like those at all.
And there are some GREAT series where the sleuth is happily married — Aunt Dimity series, Dorothy Cannell’s Ellie Haskell series, Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone series, two of Charlotte MacLeod’s series, the Savannah Reid series, Joyce & Jim Lavene’s Ren. Village couple have tied the knot, as well as their Peggy Lee (garden series), Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy series, Mary Daheim’s Bed & Breakfast series, Rhys Bowen’s Molly Murphy is finally happily married & still deducting, China Bayles, Donna Andrews’ Meg Langslow is married AND has twins & that hasn’t slowed her down — and of course lets not forget the always beloved married duo of Tommy & Tuppence!!!! There are plenty more, but those are just the first ones that come to mind.
Interestingly enough — in many of the couples — the husband is the “law enforcement” person who was the boyfriend in the beginning of the series & they got married & deducted happily ever after.
What I don’t like (besides gratuitous & explicit bedroom scenes — and planning & daydreams of same) — is the “romantic triangle” which is unfortunately a common plot device in sooooo many series these days – where’s there’s the boyfriend who is a cop — and the boyfriend who is not-a-cop (doctor, dentist, etc.). I just find those soooo annoying & distracting from the mystery — which is the whole point of the book!
OK, the 1950’s called.. they want their soap box back…
😉
Jackie J. Griffey says
Not surprising that most of the writers you mention are on my and my daughter’s ‘gotta get it’ list of authors!
Jackie
Carol says
I don’t read romance fiction either. I don’t mind some romantic subtext, but the mystery is the important thing. I gave up on one mystery writer because there was so much personal drama going on for so long. And her main character was a man.
Donna Mc says
I’m not the Donna who wrote the letter, but I agree with her sentiments and those of the others who have already posted replies. Too much romance, or too much of any other kind of storyline, ruins the mystery. I’m reading a mystery because I want to know whodunnit, after all! A little bit of romance is okay, but not to the point of distraction and especially not explicit scenes. My series includes a budding romance between two characters, however, it always pertains to the mystery in some way and never detracts from it. I really only included that storyline because so few books, tv shows, movies nowadays include a realistic romance between two people who are fully committed to each other. A few publishers rejected the books simply because I refused to have the female sleuth trying to decide between two men! She actually wants to make a commitment to one person and remain faithful. Isn’t that shocking?
Ann L. says
Donna Mc:
Thanks for sharing a funny note from the author’s viewpoint. I am both a major fan of cozies but also starting to write a series. There are these points of contention we have to deal with. (a side note: thank you for being a voice for someone being of the faithful variety). Sounds like the publishers wanted to focus on big short-term sales, they may very well be missing a growing need for readers who want steady characters and back to the mystery please!
Nancy says
A romantic interest that heightens the story without taking away from the mystery – okay. But please spare me the details – if I want that, I’ll go to romance books.
Lynn T. says
I would prefer no romance in the cozy mystery. Some books seem like they are crossing over to the romance field or chick lit. If I read that an author is a romance writer too, I read reviews carefully to see that I am not going to read a 50 romance/50 mystery.
However, a lot of the books do have some physical attraction between characters that can turn or does turn into romance. I guess that makes the character more believable and human. That is ok, I guess, if it a small part of the book and part of character development. They might take someone out to their favorite diner or pizza joint to discuss the crime. I think I am more interested in what they are eating, the atmosphere, or the discussion of the case, than the start of a romance.
When I think about why I like a book, the love interest does not even factor in. When the book turns into descriptions of body parts and feelings, I must admit like a juvenile I roll my eyes. I think less of the book. If I want to read romance, then I would.. There is nothing wrong with romance books, I just choose to read mysteries. I think authors must think the readers want romance and I think quite a few do. So I just have to read reviews of a new series to see how much romance is mentioned.
Did the golden age mysteries or mysteries from the middle of last century have romance mixed with mystery. I don’t remember romance in the books. Is it something that has come into the cozies in the past 25 years or so? It just seems so prevalent now.
Ann L. says
Lynn T.
Thank goodness you said it, and so much better than I could. Quoting you, “Did the golden age mysteries or mysteries from the middle of last century have romance mixed with mystery. I don’t remember romance in the books. Is it something that has come into the cozies in the past 25 years or so? It just seems so prevalent now.” (Lynn T).
I am struggling with this aspect both as a reader and as a beginning cozy mystery author who wants to target an age group of women who appear to be turning away from current day cozies. My friends and I grew up on Bobsey Twins, Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, and Agatha Christie. But other than a few adult cozy mysteries that we continue to return to to re-read….there appears to be a trend turning to Thrillers and Women’s Literature. I think I covered two thoughts/concerns there…forgive me.
The golden age mysteries are the ones we turn back to to re-read. Agatha Christie’s Marple and Poirot….while they were hinted at being attractive, very little romance with the protagonist(s). One exception for current day series we turn back to is MC Beaton’s Hamish Mcbeth (not Agatha Raisin). Hamish McBeth appears to be a nice straddle between some but maybe not too much? He continuously cannot get the romance department squared away. Could readers accept as much difficulty in the romance department with a female protagonist? Is there a difference?
What do readers think, Hamish McBeth, too much, too little romance?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ann L, regarding accepting Hamish Macbeth’s level of romance for a female character: I very much doubt it!
Donna Mc says
Most of Agatha Christie’s mysteries contained a couple, usually young people who were falling in love, sometimes newlyweds, sometimes long married but possibly unfaithful – but they were either victims or suspects or secondary characters. I think that’s one reason her novels are still so popular today, she stayed true to the mystery format with her sleuths, but included a circle of characters who brought in romance or humor or something that readers could relate to through those characters. The emphasis was on the mystery, but romance was sometimes a part of the story.
Sheila says
I’m a fan of romance in the cozy mysteries. After working all day it is nice to come home and read a cozy mixed with some romance.
Deahna says
I like a good romance if it’s a good, subtle one, quiet and rather relying on undertones rather than blatant sex and constant touching. Those are few and far between nowadays, I feel. BUT I still don’t really want this in a mystery. It’s okay if it’s just part of the story and perhaps a kind of explanation why the policeman, detective, lawyer… shares so much with the heroine. It would feel strange if her private were cut out altogether. But as soon as it becomes a major part and distracts from the mystery out the series goes. And that goes not only for love affairs but also for best friends who begin to dominate the story without contributing anything to it.
Linda says
Good question, Donna. I definitely like a romantic relationship in my cozy mysteries. In the “real world”, relationships (all kinds–friends, family, romantic, etc.) are important and in order for me to become engaged in the cozy world, I want to read about those kinds of relationships in my books. One of the things I love about the cozy mystery genre is the character interactions, and I think having the protagonist involved with someone makes sense. However, with that being said, I don’t want the romance to take center stage. It should just be an integral part of the whole. As Stash Empress wrote, there are lots of good cozies where the protagonist is in a committed, exclusive relationship, and the author is still able to write an entertaining story with a solid mystery. (A few examples: Denise Swanson’s Skye and Wally, Kate Collins’ Marco and Abbey, Cleo Coyle’s Mike and Clare) The dreaded love triangle makes me crazy. I don’t mind it for one or two books, but after that, a cozy mystery protagonist needs to make a decision! LOL
Hi Danna: I see that there is another Linda on your site so I thought I should change my name somewhat to differentiate between the two of us. However, since there isn’t a tech savvy bone in my body, I can’t seem to make that change. So…I thought I would finish my posts with my initials (LMBH). Would that be okay? Thanks!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
(Linda, that sounds great! Either that, or put an initial after your name like Linda C does.)
Linda MH says
Danna, thanks so much. I’ll give that a try.
Susan* says
Linda, in order to ‘Make the change’ of your name (Assuming you want to), all you need to do is, just above where you write your comment in, there is a box that says ‘First Name or Nickname’ – just change or add something to your name there.
I added an asterisk to mine, since there are two Susans on here! Lol!
Best of luck!
(Definitely-non-tech-savvy) Susan* 🙂
Linda MH says
Susan*, Thanks so much! Glad to know I’m not the only one who isn’t tech-savvy. When something happens to my computer, I whine and carry on until my nephew comes and rescues me! LOL I added two initials to my name. Take care and thanks again.
Susan* says
Most Welcome!
Angela says
I like a romantic subplot in my mysteries. I don’t have to have it but I generally like it when it’s there. I agree that some authors take a triangle too far, some take it to the point of “enough already pick one”! To me the romance should add an element to the background of the world the author has created. It should be used as a device to make the characters more real for the reader. I agree that I don’t want graphic details in my cozies and I don’t expect them. And certainly the romance should not overshadow the mystery. I find that a good romantic subplot just makes me care more about the characters in the books, like friends.
BJG says
I agree with the other commentators that a little romance goes a long way. I add that if the sleuth is a female, the love interest shouldn’t rescue her too often because that makes her look weak and for the love of Agatha, don’t have the love interest pursue the female after she says no as if it’s charming and naughty (I’m looking at you Stephanie Plum!) No means no even when the man is handsome and mysterious.
Cozies can offer women a little wish fulfillment because the female main characters are middle aged like I think most of us are and she lives in a picturesque small town with loyal friends, a successful small business or career and the occasional adventure in crime solving. Do that well and the author doesn’t need to spice it up with some alpha male who disrespects the woman’s independence.
Jo says
I like some romance (as far as I’m concerned many genre’s have this including mysteries and sci-fi/fantasy – I look for it).
And romance triangles are incredibly frustrating! It is unlikely that you can be all angsty and be properly sleuthing. So one book, maybe two… okay. But then I’m literally saying, “wrap it up” or “move along” as I read.
MJ says
Actually, I like the romance story line because it often is the continuity between books in a series. However, there are several series I read that don’t have a ‘romantic’ story line. I have found that the first few books of a series develop the romance. Then as they settle into being a ‘couple’, there is less emphasis on the romance. Many authors I read sends the boyfriend/significant other/husband off on a trip somewhere. I prefer the interaction of those characters…………….as long as the boyfriend, etc. isn’t telling the sleuth NOT to get involved (more or less ordering her) all the time! AND, I enjoy the creative author who develops the boyfriend character from something OTHER THAN law enforcement!!!
If romance is a more important story line than the mystery, I’m no longer interested in the series. Often times an author has previously written several books designated ‘romance novels’. I find that author may put more emphasis on the romance angle (perhaps feeling more comfortable in that genre) when writing a cozy.
Linda MH says
MJ, I agree. I, too, enjoy the interactions between the protagonist and her romantic interest. As I was looking through my binder listing the names of authors I read and their books, I realized that I have actually stopped reading some series where after 3 or 4 books, the protagonist still doesn’t have anyone special in her life. So….I guess that means a romantic relationship in my books is more important to me than I realized.
Blanca says
I love the mysteries mostly without the sex. Very little romance.
Susan* says
I think most of what I feel has already been said, but I don’t mind a ‘little’ romance, or even, more, in my stories – with the proviso that it is appropriate!
Carolyn Haines manages it well, I think. Sarah Booth is often debating between men, or even in bed with a man, but it’s a part of the character’s development, it’s never jarring or explicit, and to me, anyway, it just makes her more true-to-life.
Plus, it adds a realistic reason for the character to be distracted / overlook clues without coming off as stupid or an air-head.
Dianne Mott-Davidson’s Goldy Bear also has a certain amount of romance in her life – even after she’s married to Tom.
So basically, romance or even sex ‘can’ be worked in to a mystery, as long as it’s appropriate, and doesn’t take up more space than the mystery itself.
‘That’s’ when it becomes too much, to me.
Ummm… Does this soap-box belong to somebody here? Lol!
Ann L. says
Hi Susan* Thanks for the great suggestions of authors who straddle this debate well in their books. I tend to like the ones which historically did not have romance (Poirot/Marple), though I can like some that straddle it well too….but it has become so difficult and time-consuming to wade through all the ones with too much romance for me to find those good ‘straddlers’. How is that for an implicit reference? 🙂
Thanks again and I will look into the authors you have mentioned.
Susan* says
Welcome! I hope you enjoy them, and you may want to look into the books on ‘Lib the Librarian’s’ list, further down, too. Some excellent books on there!
Susan* says
P.S. Marja on the next page has just reminded me that Kerry Greenwood is another author who is excellent at letting her female sleuth have romatic / sexual interests without it either being too explicit or overshadowing the mystery.
Linda MH says
Susan*, you are right. Carolyn Haines does manage this well. And speaking of Sarah Booth, I am STILL hoping and praying she ends up with Coleman. Graf just didn’t do it for me. LOL
Rachel says
I enjoy some in a mystery, as relationships are a part of real life. Too much and if the mystery part takes a back seat then I won’t enjoy it. I also enjoy reading romances and when in the mood will do so, but if it says mystery on the cover then this is what the book should predominantly contain.
Gayle says
Donna, I am glad you got several books in the series before the author added too much romance. I started a series, however, will not read anymore from that author. Too many explicit sexual situations. Romance and flirting are different from steamy PDAs and bedroom encounters.
G.
Stacey says
I read romances and I read cozies. I don’t mind a little romance in my cozies, but when it becomes overbearing and idiotic, I stop reading them. I read cozies purely for the mystery. If I want to read a romance, I will pick up a romance book. If I read a cozy, it means I want read amystery.
I absolutely abhor this growing trend of making triangles by many authors. I have actually stopped reading many popular authors (e.g. Fluke, Evanovich) because they have incorporated triangles into their story lines. I almost even put down Swansons Scumble River series because of it and I absolutely love Skye. My thought is if you are going to incorporate romance in a cozy, pick one love interest and move on and it should always remain in the background, never the forefront…..
Lib the Librarian says
Well handled Sample Couples from the Olden Days:
Lord Peter and Harriet Vane (Sayers)
Roderick and Troy Alleyn (Marsh)
Pam and Jerry North (Lockridges)
For pure screwball fun– Jake and Helene Justus (Craig Rice)
Donna Mc says
Tommy and Tuppence, Agatha Christie!
Susan* says
Craig Rice Rules! Lol!
I’d also add the Norths from Dashiell Hammett’s ‘The Thin Man’ to the list.
Margaret M. says
I am very aware that romantic relationships, sexual tension and the boy chases girl “stuff” is at least a minor part of every cozy series I read. I am also aware to most people being in relationship is the norm. For me it is sometimes very distracting.
If it is a minor part of the story it just becomes part of the back ground and I don’t mind it.
I just finished a book, that is a pretty new series and I really like it. I find it well written and clever; but the main character is always “pining” for a man, any man. She gets over each time (mainly because she can not find one) but, it is written as if she feels her life can not be complete with out male companionship. From what I know about the author she is a single, professional woman. So, is it her or her agent, editor or publisher finding the need for romance?
Personally, I prefer an intelligent, strong, independent woman, who with or without a man can stand on her own two feet. If a relationship happens for her great, if not she will continue with her wonderful, happy, fulfilled life.
I do find it a little insulting when the main character has a relationship with the (for example) Police/Detective in the story. Come on…can’t they be friends? Men and women can be friends, and very good ones without sex and romance. I don’t find this kind of relationship inevitable, I find it a (cop out) little too easy to write.
MJ says
Amen, Margaret, well said!
One author I thoroughly enjoy and not mentioned yet is Margaret Maron. The relationship between Deborah and Dwight was well developed throughout the series. There is an immense amount of respect between these two characters.
The mysteries are paramount, the relationship interesting. Now Maron interchanges the chapters from a perspective of each one – great writing, great reading!
Dru says
I like romance in my cozies but it should never overshadow the mystery. I do not like love triangles.
-Dru Ann
Robin says
I agree with the group here. If I want “hot and heavy”, I’ll go to my old collection of “bodice rippers” of historical romances! A small amount of romance is fine, but don’t overshadow the mystery. As far as triangles, I really don’t enjoy them. If I really like the series and characters, I’ll hang in there and hope it’s resolved, like the Emma and Tom and Milo drama in the Alpine series by Mary Daheim. My favorite young series that got me started on mysteries was and still is the Judy Bolton series. She had to choose between Arthur and Peter and ended up marrying Peter. The triangle/romance aspect was even there at a tender young age! The Alleyns, The Norths, The Tuppences and Nick and Nora are great couples and I’d like to add my favorite of Henry and Emmy Tibbett by Patricia Moyes,still one of my favorite series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Robin, I love Patricia Moyes’ Tibbetts! I wish they would hurry up and get them Kindle-ized (& Nook-ized for you Nook owners)! Love that series!
MJ says
Robin, I don’t know if you have ‘stayed tuned’ to this blog entry (probably everyone has moved on), but I just HAD to comment. I don’t have the same ‘stick-to-it-tiveness’ that you do. I just COULDN’T read past ‘N’ (neither could my daughter). I was NOT pleased with the ‘romantic’ story line – just goes to show how vested readers get in the characters! I know this sounds cryptic to blog readers, but Robin and other readers of this particular series will understand. (I don’t want to give anything away to potential readers.)
robin says
MJ
There were times that the series was Very frustrating and I could have cheerfully strangled some of the characters! Surprisingly, the last book or two have been pretty good. It was her other series that I gave up on.
MJ says
The book released summer 2013 in the other series was was pretty good (finally) after several slow/ho-hum previous books.
You can read the book from last summer without missing a beat – not necessary to ‘catch up’ with the characters.
Linda L says
Yes, I love the Tibbets, too! U really enjoy the warmth of a relationship by a committed couple as long as the mystery is the primary subject. Another series I really like is the Dorothy Martin series by Jeanne M. Dams. Dorothy Martin and Alan Nesbitt make such a great international couple. They’re both lovely characters, and the love they have for each other adds a glow to the mysteries but never intrudes upon them. Their physical relationship is only hinted at, but it’s clearly a happy one. I actually like that a couple in late sixties (I think) is still presented as vital in an intimate way. I also like that Dorothy is an American residing in Great Britain with a British husband. She views British society with an American perspective.
Stash Empress says
Oooh I LOVE the Dorothy Martin series – I WISH there were more of them!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda L, I haven’t finished all of the Patricia Moyes mysteries, which is why I wish they would hurry up and Kindle-ize them. Another couple that is very much like Jeanne M. Dams’ is Camille Minichino’s couple. We don’t get any details, which is A-OK with me! (But we are very aware of their love for each other.)
Redhead says
I do not mind a little romance, but frankly I want a MYSTERY. I am especially annoyed when the “love interests” are grown adults and the author uses words like “tingly”. Suddenly, everyone is an adolescent again. I respect the YA and romance genre, but I do NOT want them in a mystery.
BJG says
That’s a good point, Redhead. Grown women solving murders and otherwise having successful lives all of the sudden turn into giggly, indecisive school girls. I think authors are trying to have it both ways with a main character who is modern, independent and capable when it comes to murder yet stereotypicaly old-fashioned when it comes to men.
Redhead says
I don’t like romances. I read mysteries for the mystery. All too often the main character is a mid-thirties woman whose reaction to romance is what I would expect from a teenager. I do not want to read words like “tingly” or have an inadvertent touch cause electric jolts. Really? At 35?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Redhead, hmmm, I hadn’t thought of that…