Welcome to part 3 of this somewhat humorous take on writing cozy mysteries. You can read part 1 and part 2 in case you missed them.
I have a special offer today. The first Holly Hart Cozy Mystery has been published! If anyone would like to read Footprints in the Frosting and be part of a review team, you can sign up here. I’ll send you the ebook file, and if you could post the review on Amazon that would be fantastic! Or you can purchase it now!
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HOW TO WRITE A COZY MYSTERY ~ PART 3!
So along with a fun-loving sleuth, yummy food (usually a dessert) a cute pet, a murder (of course), a handsome cop, and a trouble-making antagonist, here are the next three.
7. Must have a sidekick, usually quirky. CHECK
Holly meets her quirky sidekick, an older woman named Charlene, early on in Footprints in the Frosting. Charlene is a tough nut and will always tell Holly the truth whether she wants to hear it or not. Most detectives, including amateurs, have sidekicks. Honestly, I truly think it’s so the sleuth has someone to get into trouble with. 🙂
8. Must have humor. CHECK
Okay, I’m not sure humor is a hard and fast rule, but cozies are cozies for a reason. When we’re talking death and motive and suspects, sometimes the reader needs a little breather, a little comic relief. For Holly Hart, this comes in the form of her antagonist. Holly also runs into her early on in the first mystery. These scenes have been so much fun to write.
9. Must have a wide cast of characters. CHECK
Holly lives in a small town. She’s not an island unto herself. By the end of the first mystery, Holly has formed her tribe, her gang of sleuths. Together, they solve the mysteries. For Holly, this includes the handsome cop, Trent Trinket, who doesn’t want her getting involved in police business. And to that we say, “Of course.” Just another source of romantic tension. You’ll meet all of them in Footprints in the Frosting.
So, if you’re interested in joining the review team–then sign up here! Or download now!
Thank you! What other must haves have you seen in cozy mysteries? Please share in the comments.
Thanks for the advice on writing cozy mysteries. I’ve never attempted writing a mystery, but you series of instructions make me want to try. I hope your Holly Hart mysteries do well.