Cozy Mysteries discussion

When I read cozy mysteries I do so purely for their entertainment value. Recently I've been spending a lot of time in medical settings because of relatives and it's nice to have something diverting to read while I wait.

Gentle escapism!

Total escapism! Most of my reading is done for that reason. I also love pop culture biographies, and view them the same way.

Escapism and pure entertainment. No drama, no angst, no sadness, just entertainment. :)

Aside from the entertainment, a mental workout trying to solve the mystery before it is revealed.

I go through stages where I'll pop cozies like candy. They're a very relaxing read, great to zone out with after a stressful day at work. They are undemanding entertainment.

I like the variations-on-a-theme and (gradual) character development in a series. I'm amused by the various gimmicks I see in cozies these days (includes a craft! a recipe! an organizing tip!) But I particularly enjoy books in which there's something interesting in the setting or background that I end up learning about as I read because it's well woven into the story.

1) fun/quirky
2) see how the other half lives (because they're set in a place or time I've never lived in or the protagonist has a profession unfamiliar to me)
3) humor, often
4) quick reads but often series reads, so I get multiple bites of the apple
5) and, face it, it's an addiction. So it's not like I have a choice!

I love reading cozies when life gets overwhelming- they are a great escape! I have found that I enjoy themed cozies quite a bit and last year I read through a few series with Knitting as a backdrop. These books inspired me to try my hand (again) at knitting and now I have another escape! I also try to find books in settings I have either been or would like to go.

Triumph of good over evil.

They make me feel... cozy! They are just comforting and nice to curl up with. I also like learning about all sorts of different professions/things that I wouldn't normally know. Like I am reading and there are some interesting facts about bees and honey in it. And finally, escapism. They are just plain fun!

Entertainment! And an interesting puzzle to solve.

Escapism and a puzzle. I alternate between cozies and some darker reads (urban fantasy and classics) and it's nice to have something less demanding and more positive.

as an escape
I particularly like series where the characters evolve or have endearing quirks (I'm often willing to even read less well-written series if I like the characters)
I like the puzzle aspect (although some just dump the solution as a surprise at the end)
I like it when I learn about a new place or skill, but I don't like it when that becomes overwhelming to the story.

I love being introduced to likable and sometimes unlikable characters that keep me thinking about them and their community. I want to be a part of their life for a little while.

I like cozies because sometimes I don't want explicit gory details or the strong language that some authors add to their stories.

The part I love probably the most is trying to figure out the mystery as soon as I can.....and hope I'm wrong because who wants it to be easy.

I especially enjoy a cozy when I've been reading too many thrillers in a row. I need something lighter to read and just plain enjoy.

fast read fun that engages your brain without leaving it stressed. I agree with what Julie said.

relaxing fun read-i love following the characters through a series and usually i love the settings-great escapsim!

I just love the puzzle, the quirky characters you find in cozies a lot, the humor, and sometimes the romance. Like many have already said, it's perfect entertainment and escapism!

I also read cozies in between the more serious books, especially if the book was long one or intense, like Stephen King or Tess Gerritsen. I also like them to pad my long challenges - they fit the criteria and they're quick. I also like them b/c I can read them along with another heavy book when I need a break from it. I definitely can't read them back-to-back, tho. Too fluffy.

I love sinking into the unique fictional world created in every cozy. Almost always, the main characters are smart, kind, and tremendously curious, with an intense passion to right every wrong. Reading a cozy is a wonderful way to de-stress!

I read Cozies because they are an escape from every day life, there are laughs, crafts/cooking/collecting and you can learn about them. Trying to figure out who did it. And they are not gory and there is some sort of romance but never too much.

I like to read books for the different locales, esp. Scotland or the Cotswolds like the books by M. C. Beaton. It is pure escapism for me, I have been reading for 40+ years and will continue to read. I loved all of the Sue Grafton books except her two latest ones, could not get into it. I also love Agatha Christie books,as well.

I agree with Victoria and Jennifer. After a brutal day at the office, readimg a cozy relaxes me because there is no bloody scenes nor dsetails of a character having sex.

I agree with Victoria and Jennifer. After a brutal day at the office, readimg a cozy relaxes me because there is no bloody scenes nor dsetails of a character having sex.

I agree with Victoria and Jennifer. After a brutal day at the office, readimg a cozy relaxes me because there is no bloody scenes nor dsetails of a character having sex.

I agree with Victoria and Jennifer. After a brutal day at the office, readimg a cozy relaxes me because there is no bloody scenes nor dsetails of a character having sex.

There's too much drama in real life. Cozies really are a good escape, and when I put one down I feel upbeat. I especially enjoy the humor in so many of them. Of course, I love a good mystery whether it's a cozy or not, but a cozy is my preference at this stage of my life.

I love reading cozies because they are such a fun escape. When life gets stressful, there is no better way to unwind than reading a cozy.

Most cozies are short enough to read in one or two days, so when I need a break from heavy themes, I can relax and enjoy a good mystery, often laced with humor, and know there won't be anything too dark to deal with. Sort of like comfort food.

Yes, I do like to see how others do their "jobs" no matter what form that takes. I like to see what makes other people tick.

The Cosy mysteries are an escape for me, and a chance to feel like I am hanging out with an old friend. I have only been here in Tulsa for a couple years and don't have friends here, plus I have medical conditions that make it hard to get out and meet people. Books, especially cozys help.

This is the only group I belong to. I joined because I always thought of my books as cozies. While I don't post often, I do read every post so at some point I began to ask myself if I was writing true cozies or not. I only have one out there at the moment so I asked around and was fortunate enough to have Kari read Love Thy Sister and write an honest review. She defined my book as a cross over between a cozy and a romantic suspense. So now I know. I have a sequel due out in a few weeks and I'm not going to name the title because I'm really not here to sell books at the moment. I'm here to give thanks. Among other things I learned that most of our members are annoyed when a sequel doesn't post the # on the cover, so my book spells out Mina's second Adventure. Thank you all for that although my beta reader sent me an e-mail asking why the lame subtitle. I explained. This is my first self publishing/Kindle adventure, I'm told I will be able to give away books. When that day comes if you don't mind, I will post it and hope you all get a freebie. Thanks again. Ciao.

Love Thy Sister by Maria Grazia Swan



Thanks Maria, I'm going to check this one out:)

thanks Brenda, you are too kind.

I think cozies offer the best of fiction/nonfiction. Although they are fiction!!! What I mean is that one side of my brain enjoys the characters, setting, etc. that I would find in any fiction. The other part of my brain likes the "who-done-it" - the analytical side we would use to read nonfiction. In a way, it is the best of both.

Kari wrote: "Maria wrote: "This is the only group I belong to. I joined because I always thought of my books as cozies. While I don't post often, I do read every post so at some point I began to ask myself if ..."

Thanks Kari, I will make sure you get a free copy, after all you were willing to take a chance on me. By the way, my e-mail was hacked today so if you get some real estate info with my name, it wasn't from me.

Reasoning skills to see if I could figure it out before the end what's going on and who's responsible.

NYKen wrote: "I like reading cozys where the protagonist's job, that type of job's world is showcased in the book by the author (i.e. psychologist's world, baker's world, gardener's world, etc.)"

Me also. Interesting.

amusement with often a serious message

I've also wondered why people read cozies... What do readers get out of them, as opposed to other types of mysteries? Why are we particularly interested in the sleuth's job/craft/hobby?...We could certainly research knitting/cooking/cats on any website. So what makes the combination of characters, occupation and mystery so interesting--and so addictive? Even after writing and reading many cozies, and talking with many cozy mystery authors, I still can't quite figure it out. It's a mystery of its own!

I like mysteries of many types, but one reason I am drawn to cozies is the fact that they aren't too violent. As I age, I am finding my tolerance for gritty, gory details is getting less and less. I also like the guilty party to get caught & generally don't want the bad guy to be the protagonist, so again cozies fit the bill.

I don't think that I am "particularly interested in the sleuth's job/craft/hobby", although if it is well written and not too intrusive, it can add to my enjoyment. In fact, I think too many cozies in the past 10-15 years have been written with the idea that the hobby/craft part is more important than the mystery part. But hey, that's just my opinion.

I love ensconcing myself in a "cozy" setting where everyone knows each other, and the characters all have fun personality quirks. I can feel as if I'm right there, investigating the mystery along with the sleuth. Cozies are simply my favorite kinds of mysteries.

NYKen wrote: "Hi everyone. I am just curious, as a reader, what do you get out of reading a Cozy mystery book?

Mystery, intrigue, clues, suspense, sleuthing with a protag that I like, entertainment, values that I was raised with for with a cozy there will be minimum profanity, violence, 50 car crash ups.

J.J. wrote: "I've also wondered why people read cozies... What do readers get out of them, as opposed to other types of mysteries? Why are we particularly interested in the sleuth's job/craft/hobby?...We could ..."

I think the biggest part the hobbies/cats/jobs serve is to establish the protagonist and friends as the everyman. As a reader reading a cozy, you can imagine you are that person or you could be friends with that person without having to stretch the bounds of believability to far. The setting, characters, even a lot of the plot points are ordinary while the circumstances are extraordinary.

For me a well written thriller is like watching a movie in my head - it's removed from my reality in almost every way while being fantastically fun to watch (Bourne Identity for example). A well-written cozy is more like seeing the whole thing play out around me (in my head). Reading one of Kate Carlisle's bibliophile mysteries, I'm in the room with Brooklyn and Robyn, leaning on the kitchen counter, listening to their conversation (wishing I could actively participate in it).

I enjoy the humor.

I like that it's plot focused. It doesn't sell violence, sex or gore.

I think in cozies the relationships among the people usually are as important as the mystery itself, sometimes more important. That's why I always feel for myself it's more important to read a cozy series in order than it is for other types of novels. You lose the chronology of the development of the relationships otherwise.

Relaxation primarily but also an opportunity to learn about an area of the country, a craft, or maybe even get a good recipe.

A delicious sense of community, good will, and justice.

Relaxation, a laugh or two, and a good story that isn't going to prey on my mind. Escapism for another. I like cozy culinary themes and so I'm always looking for that new recipe besides.