Get to Know the Essentials of a Cosy Mystery

Unlock the Secrets to Crafting a Cosy Mystery That Charms and Intrigues

Agatha Christie is known as the ‘mother’ of cosy mysteries although that term didn’t appear until the 1990s. The name doesn’t, to my mind, convey the fact that these stories are still murders, robberies, and dastardly deeds of all description. 😆 All a COSY is, is a more gentle version of a crime thriller.

Midsomer Murders, Brokenwood Mysteries, Miss Marple are all examples of cosy mysteries with very different characters and this is where the Cosy particularly shines. There are so many sub-genres there’s room for everyone. And, with the rise and rise in popularity, why not give it a go? It’s a genre that’s got great potential for serialisation and they’re fun to write as well. Mustn’t forget though that it IS a crowded market so you have to make your book the best it can be.

I hope the following will help you.

A quaint village bookstore at dusk with warm, golden light spilling onto a cobblestone street.

1. Get to Know the Essentials of a Cosy Mystery

The Amateur Sleuth: Your main character is an everyday person with a knack for solving puzzles. Think bakers, librarians, gardeners—people who feel relatable and have a natural curiosity that pulls them into solving crimes.

A Quaint Setting: Cosy mysteries often take place in charming small towns or close-knit communities where everyone knows everyone else (or think they do). Picture those chocolate-box villages filled with quirky local shops.

Off-Stage Violence: There’s usually a murder or major crime at the heart of the story, but it’s not graphic. The violence happens off-page, keeping the tone light and reader-friendly.

A Colourful Cast: Surround your sleuth with an array of interesting, sometimes eccentric characters. They add humor, warmth, and a sense of community to the story.

2. Shaping Your Protagonist

Choose a Relatable Job: Give your amateur sleuth a profession or hobby that naturally puts them near clues—maybe they’re a bookshop owner, chef, or craft enthusiast.

Personal Stakes: Your character needs a strong reason to dive into the mystery. Personal motivation brings the story to life and makes readers care.

Flaws and Quirks: Nobody’s perfect, and that’s what makes them interesting! Maybe your sleuth is a little too curious for their own good or has a fear they need to overcome.

3. Building the Setting

Make It Feel Real: Describe a place readers will want to visit, with vivid sights, sounds, and smells. Think about what makes it cosy and unique.

Community Connections: Dive into the dynamics between the town/village’s inhabitants. Friendships, rivalries, and traditions add richness to the story.

4. Mapping Out the Mystery

The Crime: Decide on the central crime—it should be serious enough to warrant an investigation but not overly dark or grisly.

Clues and Red Herrings: Scatter clues for both your protagonist and readers to find, but throw in a few misleading hints to keep everyone guessing.

Create Suspects: Flesh out a group of suspects, each with a motive and opportunity, so readers can enjoy the puzzle.

5. Finding the Right Tone and Pacing

Light-hearted and Warm: Even with a crime at the centre, cosy mysteries should feel inviting and fun. Humour and warmth are key.

Steady Pace: Balance scenes of investigation with moments of daily life and character interactions to keep the story moving without rushing.

6. Adding Themes and Hooks

Special Interests: Many cosies revolve around a theme like cooking, crafting, or antiques. Pick a niche you love, and let it shine in the story.

Potential for a Series: Think about what could extend beyond one book—ongoing subplots or character arcs that can grow with future stories.

7. Writing Techniques to Keep in Mind

Show, Don’t Tell: Use actions, descriptions, and dialogue to reveal emotions and clues rather than explaining them outright.

Engaging Dialogue: Write conversations that reveal character and push the story forward. A little banter can go a long way in a cosy.

Foreshadowing: Drop hints about what’s to come to build intrigue and keep readers turning pages.

8. Revising and Polishing

First Draft Freedom: Let yourself write without overthinking in the first draft. The important thing is to get the story down.

Get Feedback: Share your draft with beta readers or writing groups to gain fresh perspectives and catch things you might have missed.

Refine and Polish: Focus on clarity and flow. Make sure every clue lines up, and resolve any loose ends in the plot.

Exercises to Kick-Start Your Story

Character Profile: Sketch out your sleuth’s background, job, hobbies, and what makes them uniquely suited to solving mysteries.

Setting Snapshot: Write a description of your cosy setting, from the protagonist’s home to local gathering spots. Capture the essence of the community.

Plot Outline: Draft a basic outline for your mystery, noting the victim, suspects, clues, and the sequence of events leading to the solution.

Opening Scene: Try writing your opening, where you introduce your protagonist and hint at the mystery to come.

Tips for Success

Read Cosy Mysteries: Dive into the genre to get a feel for the conventions and what readers expect.

Stay Organised: Track characters, clues, and timelines so everything makes sense.

Engage the Senses: Use sensory details to make scenes vivid and immersive.

Write What You Love: Pick themes or hobbies you’re passionate about to bring authenticity to your story.