 |
| Mystery Quilt Block Pattern information can be found here |
This month, the Quilters' Book Club is reading and discussing The Lover's Knot by Clare O'Donohue, the first of her Someday Quilts Mystery Series. We'd love to have you join us. Grab the book from your local library and start reading!
To be honest, until I began doing research for this book, I had never heard the term "cozy mystery." If you're like me, let me fill you in:
I found an absolutely wonderful site http://www.cozy-mystery.com/ that is focused entirely on cozy mysteries. The author of the site provides a wealth of information and resources about this genre.
Here are quotes from this site to define what a cozy mystery is:
1. “The crime-solver is usually a woman who is an amateur sleuth.”
2. “Although the cozy mystery sleuth is usually not a medical examiner, detective, or police officer, a lot of times her best friend, husband, or significant other is.”
3. “The local police force doesn’t take the amateur sleuth very seriously.”
4. “Cozy mysteries are considered ‘gentle’ books … no graphic violence, no profanity, and no explicit sex. Most often, the crime takes place ‘off stage’ and death is usually very quick.”
5. “The cozy mystery usually takes place in a small picturesque town or village.”
6. “Cozy mysteries tend to be fast-paced, with several twists and turns throughout each book. There are usually several red herrings to provide distracting clues to the reader.”
7. “The cozy mystery puts an emphasis on plots and character development.”
8. “A cozy mystery is often part of a series.”
The website states that “many cozy mystery readers are intelligent women looking for a fun read that engages the mind, as well as provides entertainment.” Why do you like to read cozy mysteries? Is there an aspect listed above that is especially important to you? Please answer in the comment section below. (If you are reading via email, click on the title at the top of the post so you can comment and read the comments of others.) Remember, there is no right or wrong answer. We'd just love to hear your ideas!
On a side note, Google is ending their convenient Google Reader on July 1. I would encourage you to click the Bloglovin' link at the top right side of my post to conveniently be able to read new blog posts.
By commenting, you are entering your name in a giveaway for a $20 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop, courtesy of Fat Quarter Shop! The more posts you comment on, the greater your chance of winning. Winner will be announced July 1!
You might also enjoy reading my previous blogpost here.
That was really interesting. I had never heard that term before. Thanks for enlightening me. Joanne
ReplyDeleteTwo of my favorite series would fall in this category. First, my favorite series of books, the Mrs. Pollifax books fit this bill. My father introduced them to me when I was in elementary school, thru Readers Digest. They are all about a 'grandmother' who becomes a part time spy. I'm re-reading the series now. The other series is the Aunt Dimity series. There are always mysteries to be solved, but, most of them are not murders. Both series have several plot twists, fun, engaging characters, and are fast paced. My sons also love the Mrs. Pollifax books. They also grew up on them.
ReplyDeleteNancy Atherton, author of the Aunt Dimity Series, has come to my local book club meeting and spoken to us about her books. It's always so interesting to meet authors, I think!
DeleteI had never heard of the term, "cozy mystery" either. Sounds like Nancy Drew, Bobsey Twins and the Hardy Boys kinda mysteries to me which I thoroughly enjoyed in my youth. I would still enjoy these type of mysteries today too.
ReplyDeleteTo the question, number 4 is a real plus to me in reading any book. Sex, profanity and drinking and more drinking are not necessary in books.
I had never hear of cozy mysteries earthier, but the description makes me think of Miss Marple. I love the movies made from these books that I've seen on PBS. I'll have to look for the Mrs. Pollifax books. They sound fun.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard this name either but it is one of my favorite genres - they tend to be fun to read and fast moving and not overly violent. You get to really know the characters over the series - love Janet Evanovich, Earlene Fowler and the Susan Albert series about a small Texas Hill country herbalist.
ReplyDeleteSusan Albert's latest Widow's Tears is probably my fave, and I have read them all. A little different from some of her others, but worth the read.
DeleteThe mystery series that I've read the most is the #1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. I especially enjoy following certain characters throughout the series. I love the main character Precious Ramatswe as well as her assistant, Grace Makutsi, and Precious' husband (eventually) Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni. Precious is wise and relies on her woman's intuition to solve mysteries. The stories take place in Gabarone, Botswana, and I have enjoyed learning about that country as well.
ReplyDeleteThere are many cozies with a crafting theme. Knitting (Maggie Sefton, Sally Goldenbaum), crochet (Betty Hechtman), embroidery (Amanda Lee). I just finsihed the first in a new series about a weaver. And quilting cozies by Earlene Fowler, Terri Thayer and my favourite Vanetta Chapman (set in Amish country). I collect all the quilting cozies and keep them in my sewing room!
ReplyDeleteI just finished our book and loved it. I'll have to look up the others in the series. I think I have been reading Cozy mysteries before since I everything from Ms. Marple, and Mrs. Pollifax to Janet Evanovich. I grew up on Nancy Drew and such. The term Cozy mystery isn't what I thought it would be. When I heard that title I thought it would be more along the line of mysteries that one likes to be cozy while reading similar to imagining Frazier Thomas sitting in his chair for Family Classics. Hmmm. I guess it's not too far off since I do love to sit in a cozy chair while I read them. :)
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I don't read mysteries because I always read the ending first. Way back in my 'salsa' days I read this book that was about 600 pages long. The hero gets put in prison and she waits for him. Long story short after death defying feats, many suspenseful scenes, herculean fights, he gets back to her. There he is at the train station just off the train. He sees her and then runs right by him into the arms of another. I threw that book across the room in my frustration - never again. So I started reading endings. But I have checked out the book and will give it a try. PS - I've read only the last couple of pages and I'm okay with how it ends. Eleanor Burns has an easy lover's knot video if anyone wants to check it out on You-Tube. Off to read.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this before either. Number 6 is most important to me I love a twist in the tale and to be kept thinking. Enjoying the book so far, ech of your book choices have been great. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading mysteries since I learned how to read. I believe that the first 'cozy mysterys' would be Miss Marple by Agatha Christie. Number 6 is my fave on your list. I received "The Lovers Knot" from the library and am in the middle. Good Book. Thanks for the giveaway. Blessings and smiles, Emilou :-)
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of "cozy" mysteries until last summer when I noticed a trend at the bookstore. You might want to read my post http://quiltcrossing.blogspot.com/2012/06/lets-get-cozy.html
ReplyDelete-Auntie Em
I haven't heard that term, "cozy" mysteries either. I am game to try them to see if I like them. I saw Janet Evanovich mentioned above and she is one of my favorites and the only author who can make me laugh out loud.
ReplyDeleteMy copy of "The Lover's Knot" arrived today. Is it bedtime yet? That's when I do my best reading!
ReplyDeleteCan't say how I feel about mysteries, cozy or otherwise; I'm not sure that I can think of a single mystery I've ever read!