Writing the Cozy Mystery, published in 2018 (the expanded second edition), is a fast read that provides plenty of information for someone new to the art of writing a cozy mystery. If you’re even thinking about writing a cozy mystery, then this book should be on your reference shelf.
First, and most importantly, the author defines cozy mystery as a genre. She explains that, unlike the regular mystery, a cozy mystery is normally a clean, light-hearted, relationship-centered story with a main character who is an amateur detective trying to solve a crime. The crime is usually a murder, but the details are never graphic.
The author next explains the importance of setting and world-building, especially if you want to write a series. She gives tips on keeping track of your world and maintaining series continuity. She also provides tools to keep track of recurring characters.
Some of the other subjects discussed in the book are creating your sleuth, creating your suspects, heightening suspense, inserting red herrings, plotting, and handling lulls in the story. Most chapters also include a writing exercise to help you practice what you’ve just learned. There’s even a chapter on writing a synopsis and blurb as well as one on marketing.
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries and have daydreamed of writing one of your own, but you don’t know how to start, I would recommend starting by reading Writing the Cozy Mystery. In addition to writing this very helpful guide, the author also writes a cozy mystery series set in South Florida called the Bad Hair Day Mysteries. For more information about this series, check out nancyjcohen.com.
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