RELEVANCE

Since I’m back in the traditional mystery business – my first Aurora Teagarden novel in years, ALL THE LITTLE LIARS, will be out Oct. 4 – I’ve been reading more in the subgenre.

A lot of non-cozy readers tend to think that this branch of mystery is the Polly Pureheart of the industry. There’s no blood, or sex, or even brains. The protagonist, usually a woman, is compelled by a power beyond reason to investigate crimes without the slightest qualification . . . and she solves these crimes because the police simply can’t come up with the explanation our heroine can.

Let me pick this apart. There are all kinds of traditional mysteries on the shelves now. Some rely on a gimmick – an occupation, a pet, a quirky town – to act as a hook for the book, but the book has to be a readable novel. Thrillers, which also rely on a hook (Jesus was married! An enemy country has a plague bomb!) are a standard on every bookshelf.

The amount of blood and sex depend on the writer. There are some squeaky clean mysteries, and there’s certainly an audience for them. There are some that hint at sex and have some violence. And then there are those that have both, but generally not explicitly. Again, the writer is using his/her own taste to guide the book, and the right reader will usually find the right book.

The third charge (an unqualified amateur puts the police to shame) is a little harder to rebut. Nine times out of ten, the protagonist is a botanist, wedding planner, or dog groomer . . . but she has a personal stake in solving the mystery. And she has access to some information that the police don’t have. I think the trick there lies in making the protagonist likeable and warm, and making the solution to the murder compelling. I know we’ve all read books where we felt the heroine was TDTL (too dumb to live). But then, I don’t believe concussed private eyes leave their hospital beds to solve a case from which they’ve been fired, either.

I have read some wonderful cozy mysteries lately, with protagonists I really liked, plots that had unexpected twists, and a completely credible reason for the main character to be involved in the denouement. So I’m defending something that doesn’t really need a defense!

Charlaine Harris

Comments

[Marcia Talley]

I agree completely, Charlaine! Coincidently, I'm giving a talk at St Hilda's Crime and Mystery conference in Oxford UK approximately 2 weeks from now and my topic is the cozy mystery. I love the TDTL reference!

[Randi Robinson]

TDTL is the best description I've heard for that heroine that walks into the empty house with an open door at 3am only to find her killer. As an avid reader and fan of many genres of literature, I love and admire my mystery writers: such as yourselves. I came upon this blog on the Charlaine Harris FB page.I'm an instant addict and will religiously follow the reading selections and the comments of all the femmes. What made me respond was the TDTL comment. I almost have to put down a book when I'm smarter than the main character. I don't go in blindly to anything. Thank you for the cozies, the light mystery and the wild thrillers with love,sex, creatures, and just plain wierdoes. You brighten my life.

[Charlaine Harris]

Marcia, I know you will have a great time at St. Hilda's. I've never been, but I hear it's wonderful.

I read a short story yesterday where the protagonist, despite signs, barrier tape, and massive inconvenience, persisted in going into an area marked FORBIDDEN. As far as I'm concerned, she deserves whatever she gets.

Randi, yours is the kind of post writers dream of getting. Thanks so much.

[Elaine Viets]

So glad Aurora is coming back, Charlaine. One my favorites is "A Fool and His Honey." Hope this is the first of many more Aurora stories.

[Charlaine Harris]

Elaine, it will at least be the first of two! I am working on the untitled second one right now.

[Denise Swanson]

Awesome explanation. Lots of writers push the cozy envelope, just as good writers in other genres pushes their genre's envelope. Thanks!

[Bonnie]

Love the TDTL, it certainly applies to more than cozies. Too often I have to put down a Regency or other historical fiction book, as no one can or should be as dumb as rocks, even in "olden times."

[Mark]

And they are fun! What more could you want?

[alekwithlove]

I completely agree with you. I love reading this genre. Also, loved the TDTL reference.

[Charlaine Harris]

Denise, it's always great to hear from you. You're a super cozy writer, in the best possible way.