Cozy Mysteries discussion

Hi, Cozy Mystery Lovers!

I have just a quick question.

Perhaps I'm overthinking this, but is flirting between characters okay in a cozy? The flirting isn't overtly sexual, but it's a PG rating.

I realise that overt sex, gore and violence aren't okay, but I wonder whether I'm pushing it. The flirting is more one woman commenting on how attractive another character is and that character overhearing and responding to the comment. So, it's harmless.

Let me know what you think.

Kind regards,
Amelia

I think flirting in a cozy is fine. It can be a fun element.

Ditto. As long as it's not too silly, if you know what I mean.

And as long as you don't let it develop into a love triangle that lasts for book after book after book... :)

Of course. Flirting can be dangerously fun (smile). JoeCosentino.weebly.com

Yeah, those love triangles can be a bit tiresome.

A.D. wrote: "Yeah, those love triangles can be a bit tiresome."
I agree!

no love triangles, no messy relationships (stay away from Hannah Swenson) and yes, by all means, we love some flirting to create a slow burn for us with its characters. Gives us something to look forward to in the next books.... and don't forget the mystery lol...

There's a small town sheriff/detective love interest in almost every single one of these I've ever read. Mostly with cozies they try to keep them surface level and kind of cute and, of course, the detective/sheriff/investigative journalist can help solve the crime if need be.

I've always thought a bit of romance is the standard with cozies. Adds another side to the serious side of crime solving.

Flirting is fine.

I'm one of the weird ones I guess, I prefer cozies with no romance at all. I just like a light mystery

Hi everyone. I'm new to the group. I enjoy romance in a mystery as well as cozy's without romance. Easy to please here ;)

Also new here. Interesting discussion. I sort of thought flirting and light romance went hand-in-hand with cozy mysteries. I'm trying to think of one I've read that didn't include some sort of flirting. Maybe Mary Daheim's B&B stories, but the MC is married so you wouldn't expect much flirting.

I thought flirting was required in a cozy mystery. How else will the main character marry the sheriff/newspaper editor/mayor by book #4? :)

Christi wrote: "I thought flirting was required in a cozy mystery. How else will the main character marry the sheriff/newspaper editor/mayor by book #4? :)"

Why does she (or he) have to marry anyone? Not being flippant or difficult, just curious. Why can't we have cozies without a marriage or romance? Why can't it be a light mystery? Or am I wrong here - are romances required to be a cozy?

Mama Cass wrote: "Christi wrote: "I thought flirting was required in a cozy mystery. How else will the main character marry the sheriff/newspaper editor/mayor by book #4? :)"

Why does she (or he) have to marry anyo..."

I think Christi was being flippant in her answer. Romance is not required of a cozy, though most do seem to include a romantic interest.

ahhh ok. thanks Heather. This is a relatively new genre for me, so I appreciate your input

I'm perfectly fine with a relationship. It just has to be done right. If we were looking for a parallel to real life there would be creeps, happy people, romance, pets.