Cozying Up to Cozies!

Are you wondering if one of us has the wrong blog? This past year, I've come to love cozy mysteries. Like the romance genre, there are plenty of subgenres. For me, the cozier the better. I love the wonderful settings, the loveable characters, and the way everything is tied up nicely by the end. Moreover, my favorite cozies have a hint of romance. I've noticed a certain cross-over trend. Lots of romance writers have been known to pen irresistible cozies. 

Many of these mysteries are set in a particularly picturesque area -- the Cotswolds, for example. Other's focus more on the career or hobby of the main character, one that is terribly appealing -- coffeehouse owner, gardener, librarian, baker, knitter... You get the idea. You are given the chance to immerse yourself in an enjoyable setting with characters you like, learning about things you find interesting or already love, and to solve a mystery that usually spares you the gore.

I realize that, as with any genre, not everyone enjoys cozies for the same reason. From my point of view, they are feel good books. Why anyone would find that description objectionable, I don't know, but some do. Just because a book has you smiling happily at the end doesn't mean that the writing isn't wonderful, the research thorough, and the mystery well-crafted and clever. The books I enjoy have all of those things and I couldn't be happier.

So if you are a romance fan -- and since you are here, I must assume that you are -- you might wantto give cozy mysteries a try.

Happy Reading!