By Elaine L. Orr
When I began publishing mysteries in 2010, I hadn't heard the term cozy mystery, which was coined at the end of the 20th century. I just sat at my computer and wrote and later thought about the category my mysteries would fit into.
My choice of books with less violence was a deliberate one. I don't like really violent (especially sadistic) books or television shows. I also noted that movies with the largest box office income (at that time) were mostly Disney and similar movies.
It didn't take more than a minute to realize it was because anyone could see them. If you counted by ticket sales instead of dollars, I bet Disney movies would still be at or close to the top. Statistics vary, but Avatar and Titanic are generally in the top five. Intense, but not violent.
Given the lessened levl of violence, almost anyone can read my books. A precocious niece read them in middle school, but my books are geared to adults.
Key Elements of a Cozy Mystery
- The story involves a murder, but it take place "off screen." Often the sleuth discovers the body.
- The sleuth is an amateur, never a member of law enforcement. Nearly all are women.
- Professions vary, and sleuths sometimes own their own retail business -- bakery, bookstore, coffee shop -- or work in a field that permits a flexible schedule. She does need time to investigate. In my three cozy series, the sleuths are a real estate appraiser, a graphic designer, and a gardener.
- Small town are the norm. Plots can be complex and characters diverse, but the sleuth needs to know people to query (or from whom to ferret information). When she's one of 300,000 people (a moderately large city) there are fewer links among suspects -- or friends. Easier to get tips in small towns. Plus, less traffic.
- Minimal sex and swearing. Some books have a romantic element, but it can't take away from the mystery.
Readers have expectations for all types of books. A spy thriller would have high stakes. Major characters will cross boarders and have sophisticated skills (think breaking into complex computer systems or being able to disarm an explosive device).
A cozy reader does not want to read a detailed autopsy report. I used the word 'damn' a couple of times in an early book and a reviewer commented on "the swearing." That doesn't mean every character needs to be a goody two-shoes, but any swearing would definitely not include the F Bomb.
For a more detailed discussion, get Marian's perspective by going to https://cozymystery.com/what-is-a-cozy-mystery/. This incredible site has information on more than 20,000 cozy mysteries, including mine at https://cozymystery.com/authors/elaine-l-orr/. Marian is a very generous soul.
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