Cozy Mystery Corner discussion
Challenges
>
Write A Cozy Mystery
date
newest »
newest »
Mod
To participate in this challenge, you must read at least 6 books.
Part I: Story Elements
Read one book for each category
1) Detective
2) Victim
3) Weapon
4) Location
5) Motive
6) Side Kick
Part II: Plot
Write a cozy mystery using the story elements/categories you read. Feel free to embellish, adding words to describe the plot.*
Part III: Mix and Match to write more mysteries.
🖋️You can choose how many additional tasks to complete.
🖋️You can work on multiple murder plots at the same time.
🖋️You can choose to kill all the victims wholesale with every murder weapon possible.
It's up to you! Enjoy!
📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
*Example: Murder is my Business!
The New Arrival in Town was done in by Deceptively Delicious Food while strolling Down Memory Lane for her Money, Money, Money. Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher solved the murder with the help of a Friendly Ghost.
Detective: Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher
Heirs of the Body by Carola Dunn
Victim: New Arrival in Town
Torn Asunder by Barbara Ross - pub 2024
Weapon: Deceptively Delicious Food
Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurien Berenson - choc cake & tomatoes
Location: Down Memory Lane
The Bangalore Detectives Club by Harini Nagendra- 1920s
Motive: Money, Money, Money
Double Whammy by Gretchen Archer - gold coins
Side Kick: Friendly Ghost/Spirit
Them Bones by Carolyn Haines
Mod
Copy and paste the tasks list in this thread.
Your name in msg 4 will become a link to your post.
Update your progress at the top of your post.
Post the cozy mystery/ies that you write.
Duration: 6 months from start OR
Decide how many cozies you want to write
Rules:
📘Must read at least 6 books - one for each story element (i.e., detective, victim, weapon, etc.)
📕One book per task.
📗Books must be at least 125 pages.
📚Books can be any genre. Cozies are preferred.
Post the cover when the task requires a specific item or color.
When the task has options, tell us which one you choose.
Identify the key character if the task requires one.
Key characters appear in several scenes in the book. May be the sleuth, friend, victim, detective, suspect, significant other, family member, etc.
Thanks to Crazy Challenge Connection - this challenge was adapted from their archives.
Mod
Barb
Helen
Mod
Quick question : Do we need to complete one set at a time, or can we work on multiple murders at the same time?
Mod
Yes, you can work on multiple murders at the same time.
Mod
Mod
Murder may not be game warden Joe Pickett's business, but he gets involved in murder cases all the same, even in the small town where he lives. Was the new arrival in town illed by knife, gun or spear? I won't spoil the book by giving it away :) The victim's love interest pushed authorities to solve the case, in which money, money, money was involved.
DETECTIVE : Game warden Joe Pickett
Free Fire (Joe Pickett #7), by C.J. Box, finished 6/23/24 ★★★★
LOCATION : Small Towns
Lions and the Living Dead (Madigan Amos Zoo #4), by Ruby Loren, finished 6/15/24 ★★★.5
VICTIM : New Arrival in Town
A Very Woodsy Murder (Golden Motel #1), by Ellen Byron, finished 7/2/24 ★★★.5
WEAPON : Knife/Gun/Spear
The Rubber Band (Nero Wolfe #3), by Rex Stout, finished 6/11/24 ★★★★
SIDEKICK : Love Interest
Change of Fortune (Miss Fortune #11), by Jana Deleon, finished 6/7/24 ★★★★
MOTIVE : Money, Money, Money
The Nature of the Beast (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #11), by Louise Penny, finished 6/12/24 ★★★★
WRITE YOUR OWN COZY MYSTERY
To participate in this challenge, you must read at least 6 books.
PART 1 : STORY ELEMENTS
READ ONE BOOK FOR EACH CATEGORY
* Detective
* Victim
* Weapon
* Location
* Motive
* Side Kick
PART 2 : PLOT
Write a cozy mystery using the story elements/categories you read. Feel free to embellish, adding words to describe the plot.
(view spoiler)
PART 3
Once you have read one book in each category, you can choose how many additional tasks to complete. Mix and Match to write more mysteries. You can choose to kill all the victims wholesale with every murder weapon possible. It's up to you! Enjoy!
A) DETECTIVE:
1. MURDER IS MY BUSINESS!:
You consider yourself a sleuth whether you have a business card or not. Read a book that features an amateur detective, a cop, a P.I. or someone who knows (or thinks they know) what they're doing when they encounter a dead body.
game warden : Free Fire (Joe Pickett #7), by C.J. Box, finished 6/23/24 ★★★★
police : When the Party Died (Brock & Poole #3), by A.G. Barnett, finished 7/1/24 ★★★★
ex-sheriff : Purgatory Ridge (Cork O’Connor #3), by William Kent Krueger, finished 7/12/24 ★★★★
2. THE MEDDLESOME SNOOP OR COMMUNITY CRIME SOLVER:
It depends on your point of view. You are an amateur sleuth. To complete this challenge, read a book featuring an amateur/nonprofessional sleuth.
A Murder at the Movies (Secret Bookcase #2), by Ellie Alexander, finished 6/13/24 ★★★★
3. THE ANXIOUS FRIEND:
You are the sensible friend who advises caution, and thinks dead bodies are best left to the authorities. You are reasonable, but always ignored. To complete this task, read a book where the MCs friend/BFF is a key character.
Henry Standing Bear keeps Walt sane most of the time : As the Crow Flies (Walt Longmire #8), by Craig Johnson, finished 6/14/24 ★★★★
B) VICTIMS:
1. BUSINESS EMPLOYEE/CLIENT/RIVAL:
📙 Read a book where the main character runs a business
bakery : A Cup of Flour, a Pinch of Death (Baker Street #3), by Valerie Burns, finished 6/20/22 ★★★★
2. YOUR SCUMBAG EX AND/OR YOUR EX'S NEW FLAME:
📙 Read a book where the MC is divorced
Hush Puppy (Melanie Travis #6), by Laurien Berenson, finished 6/9/24 ★★★★
3. NEW ARRIVAL IN TOWN:
📙 Read a book that is a new arrival (first published in 2024*)
publ 7-23-24 : A Very Woodsy Murder (Golden Motel #1), by Ellen Byron, finished 7/2/24 ★★★.5
4. RED HERRING:
📙 Read a book where someone is falsely accused
A Deadly Feast (Key West Food Critic #9), by Lucy Burdette, finished 6/8/24 ★★★★ | (view spoiler)
5. RANDOM PERSON:
📙 Read a book by a new-to-you author
author Robert Thorogood – The Marlow Murder Club (Marlow Murder Club #1), by Robert Thorogood, finished 6/27/24 ★★★.5
C) WEAPONS:
1. DECEPTIVELY DELICIOUS FOOD:
📙 Read a book with food, drink or a kitchen implement on the cover
drinks : Name Your Poison (Top Shelf #3), by Lolli Powell, finished 6/6/24 ★★★★
2. Crafty Supplies:
📙 Read a book with clothes on the cover
cape : Murder at Traitors’ Gate (Tate & Bell #2), by Irina Shapiro, finished 6/4/24 ★★★★
3. HARDCOVER HOMICIDE:
📙 Read a book with books on the cover
A Controversial Cover (Booktown #18), by Lorna Barrett, finished 6/26/24 ★★★
4. DEADLY DECORATIONS:
📙 Read a book with flowers on the cover
The Rose Arbor, by Rhys Bowen, finished 7/6/24 ★★★★
5. Knife/Gun/Spear:
📙 Read a book from one of the GR Best Books lists. Tell us which list you choose.
Best "World" Mysteries, Thrillers, Detective and Suspense : The Rubber Band (Nero Wolfe #3), by Rex Stout, finished 6/11/24 ★★★★
D) LOCATIONS:
1. SMALL TOWN/LARGE CITY:
📙 Read a book hiding in the middle of a series (not 1st or last)
Lions and the Living Dead (Madigan Amos Zoo #4), by Ruby Loren, finished 6/15/24 ★★★.5
Book #4 of a 10-book series
2. DOWN MEMORY LANE:
📙 Read a historical fiction/mystery - set at least 50 years in the past (1970s or earlier)
set 1930s : Murder Under a Bad Moon (Mona Moon #3), by Abigail Keam, finished 7/16/24 ★★★.5
3. INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE:
📙 Read a book set in a country where English is not the primary language
Wales : Evan and Elle (Constable Evans #4), by Rhys Bowen, finished 6/2/24 ★★★★
4. TRAVEL TRAGEDY - PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES:
📙 Read the next in a series you haven't read in 2+ years
series last read August 2021 : The Day Will Come (Stella Crown #4), by Judy Clemens, finished 7/24/24 ★★★★
5. YOUR HOME/HOTEL/BUSINESS:
📙 Read a short, easy book/novella (less than 150 pp.)
122 pages : The Lair of the White Fox (Sister Fidelma #0.5), by Peter Tremayne, finished 6/13/24 ★★★★
E) MOTIVES
1. MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!:
📙 Read a bestseller
The Nature of the Beast (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #11), by Louise Penny, finished 6/12/24 ★★★★
2. THAT OLD REVENGE/JEALOUSY MOTIVE:
📙 Read a book where the authors initials can be found in "REVENGEJEALOUSY" (middle initials count if part of author's name on GR)
author Ayla Rose – Murder on Devil’s Pond (Hummingbird Hollow B&B #1), finished 6/18/24 ★★★★
3. NUDGE, NUDGE, WINK, WINK:
📙 Read a book recommended to you by a friend
Joanna : The Spy Coast (Martini Club #1), by Tess Gerritsen, finished 6/19/24 ★★★★
4. CRIME OF PASSION:
📙 Choose a book where a character is abusive.
Last Night at Villa Lucia, by Simon McCleave, finished 7/23/24 ★★★.5
(view spoiler)
5. WRONG PLACE/WRONG TIME:
📙 Read a book with an eye featured prominently on the cover
Savage Sourdough (Cozy Corgi #4), by Mildred Abbott, finished 7/11/24 ★★★★
F) SIDEKICKS
1. FRIEND/RELATIVE:
📙 Read a book where MC's friend(s) is/are key characters
The Body in the Bookstore (Secret Bookcase #1), by Ellie Alexander, finished 6/3 ★★★★
2. HOT LOVE INTEREST (... OR TWO):
to love?
📙 Read a book set during the summer
set in August : Change of Fortune (Miss Fortune #11), by Jana Deleon, finished 6/7/24 ★★★★
3. NERD/GEEK:
📙 Read a book that is NOT a cozy
Outlaw Mountain (Joanna Brady #7), by J.A. Jance, finished 6/5/24 ★★★★
4. FRIENDLY GHOST/SPIRIT:
📙 Read a book with a ghost, skeleton or other undead character OR an old(er) book (on your TBR more than 2 years)
added 11-5-17 *and ghosts in story : A History of Murder (Old Maids of Mercer Island #3), by Lynn Bohart, finished 7/14/24 ★★★★
5. CATS! DOGS!:
📙 Read a book with a cat or dog on the cover or in the story
No Paw to Stand On (Bookmobile Cat #12), by Laurie Cass, finished 7/7/24 ★★★★
I’m in for this one too.WRITE YOUR OWN COZY MYSTERY
To participate in this challenge, you must read at least 6 books.
PART 1 : STORY ELEMENTS
READ ONE BOOK FOR EACH CATEGORY
✔️✅* Detective
✔️✅* Victim
✔️* Weapon
✔️✅* Location
✔️✅* Motive
✔️✅* Side Kick
PART 2 : PLOT
Write a cozy mystery using the story elements/categories you read. Feel free to embellish, adding words to describe the plot.
(view spoiler)
PART 3
Once you have read one book in each category, you can choose how many additional tasks to complete. Mix and Match to write more mysteries. You can choose to kill all the victims wholesale with every murder weapon possible. It's up to you! Enjoy!
A) DETECTIVE:
1. MURDER IS MY BUSINESS!:
You consider yourself a sleuth whether you have a business card or not. Read a book that features an amateur detective, a cop, a P.I. or someone who knows (or thinks they know) what they're doing when they encounter a dead body.
where 5 sleuths have been chosen because they all know what they’re doing.2. THE MEDDLESOME SNOOP OR COMMUNITY CRIME SOLVER:
It depends on your point of view. You are an amateur sleuth. To complete this challenge, read a book featuring an amateur/nonprofessional sleuth.
3. THE ANXIOUS FRIEND:
You are the sensible friend who advises caution, and thinks dead bodies are best left to the authorities. You are reasonable, but always ignored. To complete this task, read a book where the MCs friend/BFF is a key character.
a group of 4 friends collaborated to solve the murder.B) VICTIMS:
1. BUSINESS EMPLOYEE/CLIENT/RIVAL:
📙 Read a book where the main character runs a business OR a book where the protagonist has a rival (in love, business, etc.) OR a book with a character whom you dislike.
2. YOUR SCUMBAG EX AND/OR YOUR EX'S NEW FLAME:
📙 Read a book that has a breakup OR a book where the MC is divorced OR a book with an "X" in the title or on the cover.
3. NEW ARRIVAL IN TOWN:
📙 Read a book that is a new arrival (first published in 2024*) OR a book that has less than 1000 ratings on GR OR a book where the MC is new to town.
*See this list for ideas Cozy Mystery New Releases
4. RED HERRING:
📙 Read a book where someone is falsely accused OR a book with a surprise twist OR a mystery with several red herrings. Were you misled?
is full of surprise twists.5. RANDOM PERSON:
📙 Read a book by a new-to-you author OR a book that was free or cheap OR a book that helps you relax (beach read, light/humorous cozy).
C) WEAPONS:
1. DECEPTIVELY DELICIOUS FOOD:
📙 Read a book with food, drink or a kitchen implement on the cover OR a book with recipes OR a book with a culinary theme.
2. Crafty Supplies:
📙 Read a book with clothes on the cover OR a book where a main character is a crafter (seamstress, quilter, glassblower, knitter, blacksmith, carpenter, et al.).
3. HARDCOVER HOMICIDE:
📙 Read a book with books on the cover OR a book set in a bookstore/library OR where the MC has a book-related career (ex: librarian, writer, book dealer, editor, professor).
the MC is a college professor.4. DEADLY DECORATIONS:
📙 Read a book with flowers on the cover OR a book where the MC is into fashion* OR a book set during a holiday.
*professionally or MCs apparel described in detail/may include brands.
5. Knife/Gun/Spear:
📙 Read a book with a weapon (gun, knife, hammer, etc.) on the cover OR a book from one of the GR Best Books lists. Tell us which list you choose.
D) LOCATIONS:
1. SMALL TOWN/LARGE CITY:
📙 Read a book set in a small town OR read a book with a cityscape on the cover OR read a book hiding in the middle of a series (not 1st or last).
2. DOWN MEMORY LANE:
📙 Read a historical fiction/mystery - set at least 50 years in the past (1970s or earlier) OR a book where part of the plot is revealed via flashback OR a book published in the 1970s or earlier.
3. INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE:
📙 Read a book set in a country where English is not the primary language (ex: France, Mexico) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in INTERNATIONAL (must be 3 words long; 'a', 'an', & 'the' count!) OR read a book where a key character is an immigrant.
is set mostly in Greece.4. TRAVEL TRAGEDY - PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES:
📙 Read a book with a plane, train or automobile on the cover OR read a book where the MC travels and/or goes on vacation OR read a book or a series that you abandoned. [Give a DNF'd book a 2nd chance or Read the next in a series you haven't read in 2+ years.]
5. YOUR HOME/HOTEL/BUSINESS:
📙 Read a book set primarily in a house, farm, hotel or estate OR read a book with the words "HOTEL" or "HOUSE" in the title or series name OR read a short, easy book/novella (less than 150 pp.).
E) MOTIVES
1. MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!:
📙 Read a book with something materially valuable on the cover (coins, jewelry, precious stones, etc.) OR read a book where the main character inherits something (house, business, etc.) OR read a bestseller.
2. THAT OLD REVENGE/JEALOUSY MOTIVE:
📙 Read a book where the authors initials can be found in "REVENGEJEALOUSY" (middle initials count if part of author's name on GR) OR read an award winning book (tell us the award) OR read a book with a real or imagined famous person.
by Elizabeth Edmondson3. NUDGE, NUDGE, WINK, WINK:
📙 Read a book recommended to you by a friend (GR friends included) OR a book that you borrowed OR a book with a supporting character who is nosey (ex: neighbor, friend).
4. CRIME OF PASSION:
📙 Choose a book to read randomly, make an impulsive choice OR read a book with a red cover OR read a book where a character is abusive.
has several abusive characters.5. WRONG PLACE/WRONG TIME:
📙 Read a book where a character does something unexpected OR a book with an eye featured prominently on the cover OR a book with a clueless or absent minded MC.
F) SIDEKICKS
1. FRIEND/RELATIVE:
📙 Read a book where MC's friend(s) is/are key characters OR a book where a character gets into a mess OR a book where the MC or friend is falsely accused.
Bessie’s friends always work together with her to solve mysteries.2. HOT LOVE INTEREST (... OR TWO):
to love?
📙 Read a book with a love triangle OR a book with someone you consider hot on the cover OR a book set during the summer.
3. NERD/GEEK:
📙 Read a book where technology plays a key role in solving the mystery OR a book where the main character is tech savvy OR a book that is NOT a cozy.
fits all 3.4. FRIENDLY GHOST/SPIRIT:
📙 Read a book with a ghost, skeleton or other undead character OR a book tagged "Gothic" OR an old(er) book (on your TBR more than 2 years).
5. CATS! DOGS!:
📙 Read a book with a cat or dog on the cover or in the story OR a book with people who belong to a community or club (book club, church, craft circle, yoga sangha, etc.) OR a book with an unappealing cover.
OMG! What a great -- interesting, creative, cute, challenging! -- challenge!!If I can get my ducks in a row... Six months, huh?
I’ve added my first 6.1. Professional detective
2. Victim employee, client, or rival.
3. Weapon is a book.
4. In a foreign country.
5. Motive is passion.
6. Sidekick is nerd or geek.
I’ll need to write a story to connect them.
Now starting on my second plot.
Jumping in with this oneWriting a sequel...
To write your own Cozy Mystery, read one book from each category (6 books).
Pick:
I) a Detective--Anxious Friend
II) an unfortunate Victim--Business Employee/Client/Rival
III) a deadly Weapon--Deadly Decorations
IV) a Location to find the body--Down Memory Lane:
V) finally, a Motive for the murder.-- read a book with a real or imagined famous person.
Plus, you need
VI) a Sidekick to help solve it. --Read a book where MC's friend(s) is/are key characters
Pick:
I) a Detective--amateur sleuth
II) an unfortunate Victim-- Red Herring
III) a deadly Weapon -- Library
IV) a Location to find the body--small town/large city
V) finally, a Motive for the murder.--a book that you borrowed
VI) Sidekick-- 5. Cats! Dogs!
I. DETECTIVE:.
1. Read a book that features an amateur detective, a cop, a P.I. or someone who knows (or thinks they know) what they're doing when they encounter a dead body.
1. Murder is my Business!: You consider yourself a sleuth whether you have a business card or not. Read a book that features an amateur detective, a cop, a P.I. or someone who knows (or thinks they know) what they're doing when they encounter a dead body.
2. The Meddlesome Snoop or Community Crime Solver: It depends on your point of view. You are an amateur sleuth. To complete this challenge, read a book featuring an amateur/nonprofessional sleuth.
Donors, Deception & Death
3. The Anxious Friend: To complete this task, read a book where the MCs friend/BFF is a key character.
Sheep with One Eye Open
II) VICTIMS
1. Business Employee/Client/Rival:
Read a book where the main character runs a business OR a book where the protagonist has a rival (in love, business, etc.) OR a book with a character whom you dislike.
Fondant Fumble
Victim
2. Your Scumbag Ex and/or Your Ex's New Flame: You're definitely the prime suspect here 'cause it serves those cheating so-and-so's right!
📙 Read a book that has a breakup OR a book where the MC is divorced OR a book with an "X" in the title or on the cover.
3. New Arrival in Town: No one knows much about them, they act shady and soon - they're dead.
📙 Read a book that is a new arrival (first published in 2024*)
Sequel 4. Red Herring: The confusing victim - someone who dies around the same time as the primary murder. Were they killed or did they die naturally? Are the deaths connected?
📙 Read a book where someone is falsely accused OR a book with a surprise twist OR a mystery with several red herrings. Were you misled?
Foreboding Foretelling at Ficklehouse Felling
Yes I was misled!
5. Random Person: You stumble across their body, but don't know who they are. No one can link you to the victim so you aren't a suspect. This time you can relax and enjoy solving the murder.
📙 Read a book by a new-to-you author OR a book that was free or cheap OR a book that helps you relax (beach read, light/humorous cozy).
III) WEAPONS
1. Deceptively Delicious Food:
📙 Read a book with food, drink or a kitchen implement on the cover OR a book with recipes OR a book with a culinary theme.
2. Crafty Supplies:
📙 Read a book with clothes on the cover OR a book where a main character is a crafter (seamstress, quilter, glassblower, knitter, blacksmith, carpenter, et al.).
3. Hardcover Homicide:
📙 Read a book with books on the cover OR a book set in a bookstore/library OR where the MC has a book-related career (ex: librarian, writer, book dealer, editor, professor).
The Catalogued Corpse: Doro Banyon Cozy Historical Mysteries
4. Deadly Decorations: - Flowers/Fashion/Ornaments -
📙 Read a book with flowers on the cover OR a book where the MC is into fashion* OR a book set during a holiday.
*professionally or MCs apparel described in detail/may include brands.
Murder at St. Paul's Cathedral
5. Knife/Gun/Spear: Time tested weapons that are made-for-murder. These are extremely popular methods for killing one's enemy.
📙 Read a book with a weapon (gun, knife, hammer, etc.) on the cover OR a book from one of the GR Best Books lists. Tell us which list you choose.
IV) LOCATIONS
1. Small Town/Large City: Every mystery reader knows: Small towns attract killers who specialize in quality, intimate murders then hide in plain sight. Cities are where murderers can hide in the crowd and go undetected.
📙 Sequel Read a book set in a small town OR read a book with a cityscape on the cover OR read a book hiding in the middle of a series (not 1st or last).
The True Confessions of a London Spy (Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet 2)
2. Down Memory Lane: Not a new invention, murders have been committed throughout time.
📙 Read a historical fiction/mystery - set at least 50 years in the past (1970s or earlier) OR a book where part of the plot is revealed via flashback OR a book published in the 1970s or earlier.
Murder at an English Séance set in 1920s
3. International Intrigue: The pleasure of getting a passport, following a victim on a flight/cruise and killing them in another country while they're relaxed and having fun. Plus the killer gets to enjoy an activity without paying extra for it!
📙 Read a book set in a country where English is not the primary language (ex: France, Mexico) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in INTERNATIONAL (must be 3 words long; 'a', 'an', & 'the' count!) OR read a book where a key character is an immigrant.
4. Travel Tragedy - Planes, Trains and Automobiles: One of the best places to find a body is in a crowded plane or train or abandoned in a car. The murderer melts into the crowd like an innocent passenger.
📙 Read a book with a plane, train or automobile on the cover OR read a book where the MC travels and/or goes on vacation OR read a book or a series that you abandoned. [Give a DNF'd book a 2nd chance or Read the next in a series you haven't read in 2+ years.]
5. Your Home/Hotel/Business: There's no need to step out of your own home for the tedious job of stumbling over a body. You can't beat the convenience.
📙 Read a book set primarily in a house, farm, hotel or estate OR read a book with the words "HOTEL" or "HOUSE" in the title or series name OR read a short, easy book/novella (less than 150 pp.).
V) MOTIVES
1. Money, Money, Money!: Either the killer or the victim has committed fraud/embezzled fund, or is heir to a fortune or financially wealthy. Money makes the world go round, and murder happen.
📙 Read a book with something materially valuable on the cover (coins, jewelry, precious stones, etc.) OR read a book where the main character inherits something (house, business, etc.) OR read a bestseller.
2. That Old Revenge/Jealousy Motive: Victim cheated on the killer or killer envies the victim. See where it gets them!
📙 Read a book where the authors initials can be found in "REVENGEJEALOUSY" (middle initials count if part of author's name on GR) OR read an award winning book (tell us the award) OR read a book with a real or imagined famous person.
Murder at the Olympics has both real Olympians and fictional ones! Ginger is also famous.
3. Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink: Victim is nosy, snooping on their neighbors with the unfortunate habit of not keeping their mouths shut. Or perhaps, this victim has something that the killer covets. It's a murder waiting to happen!
📙 Read a book recommended to you by a friend (GR friends included) OR a book that you borrowed OR a book with a supporting character who is nosey (ex: neighbor, friend).
(borrowed from Kindle Unlimited)4. Crime of Passion: It wasn't planned, but emotions boiled over and suddenly ... there was murder.
📙 Choose a book to read randomly, make an impulsive choice OR read a book with a red cover OR read a book where a character is abusive.
5. Wrong Place/Wrong Time: The Unwitting Victim who is killed because s/he stumbled across a murder or a vital clue and can identify the killer.
📙 Read a book where a character does something unexpected OR a book with an eye featured prominently on the cover OR a book with a clueless or absent minded MC.
VI) SIDEKICKS
1. Friend/Relative: The scaredy, cautious one that ends up helping anyway. Your 'ride or die' BFFs. Sometimes they blunder into being #1 suspect and you have to fight to protect them.
📙 Read a book where MC's friend(s) is/are key characters OR a book where a character gets into a mess OR a book where the MC or friend is falsely accused.
Murder at the Debutante Ball Harry Armitage, the PI, is Cleo's friend/love interest and her maid, Harmony and the other servants help sleuth
2. Hot Love Interest (... or Two): Really, they're not much help. But they're hot, and there are two so they keep things lively. Even if they try to stop you from doing foolish things, you can count on them for back-up when you do it anyway. Dazzled and dazzling. What's not to love?
📙 Read a book with a love triangle OR a book with someone you consider hot on the cover OR a book set during the summer.
3. Nerd/Geek: You're more the gut instinct type, so you rarely and reluctantly employ A.I/ technology. How do you trust these things? You're surely experienced enough to know when you see the killer.
📙 Read a book where technology plays a key role in solving the mystery OR a book where the main character is tech savvy OR a book that is NOT a cozy.
4. Friendly Ghost/Spirit: A Ouija Board is a fantastic murder solving tool. So are the friendly ghosts haunting your home or business. Being long dead, they interfere in your life for entertainment and amusement.
📙 Read a book with a ghost, skeleton or other undead character OR a book tagged "Gothic" OR an old(er) book (on your TBR more than 2 years).
5. Cats! Dogs!: Is that mysterious sequence "QRRDFSDARERT431214`##" your cat typed a clue to solving the murder? Pay attention to the disgusting dead thing they brought you. Your pets have a network of furry sleuths around town, better at sniffing out clues than you are.
📙 Read a book with a cat or dog on the cover or in the story OR a book with people who belong to a community or club (book club, church, craft circle, yoga sangha, etc.) OR a book with an unappealing cover.
Home Tours, History & Homicide
story:
Book 1
While out walking her French Bulldog, Jess discovers a dead body in a lane, strangled to death with a scarf from her aunt's store. Jess recognizes the victim as her aunt's rival and fears her aunt will be the target of the police investigation. Jess calls her best friend Aurora, a mystery lover, for help solving the murder before the police can pin it on her. Aurora cautions Jess to stay out of it and leave the sleuthing to the police. Jess knows together they can solve the crime. In order to figure out who else wanted this woman dead, Jess and Aurora will have to get Jess's aunt to relive painful memories of the past. Can they put together a picture of the victim's life and figure out who wanted her dead?
In the sequel, Jess's dog discovers a dead body behind the bushes near the small town library book drop. Everyone is upset about the local elementary school teacher's death and the police suspect Jess. When a second person ends up dead, Jess wonders if the police have the wrong motive. Could the real motive be in the pages of a book she borrowed?
Well, this is no fun. My GR homepage and all my challenge pages are totally messed up. Take this challenge, for example...the layout is abnormal, no dates are showing up on my posts (and anyone else's), and I no longer have the edit/reply/delete function. Anyone else having problems?
Meg wrote: "Well, this is no fun. My GR homepage and all my challenge pages are totally messed up. Take this challenge, for example...the layout is abnormal, no dates are showing up on my posts (and anyone els..."Mobile version. Look below. Click on Desktop version.
Write A Cozy Mystery8/1 - 12/31/24
Story:
TasksI) DETECTIVE
2. The Meddlesome Snoop or Community Crime Solver: featuring an amateur/nonprofessional sleuth-- Abby Kimball, unemployed, recently realized that she can see the dead, Defending the Dead Sheila Connolly 7/29
II) VICTIM
MC runs a business - Maggie Mulgrew runs The Ash Leaf, an unusual antique shop (due to her choice of inventory) in Holmestead, England Ghost of a Chance Cate Dean 8/10
III) WEAPON
4. Deadly Decorations: - Flowers/Fashion/Ornaments -
Read a book with flowers on cover Queen Anne's Lace Susan Wittig Albert 8/9
IV) LOCATION
2. Down Memory Lane: Not a new invention, murders have been committed throughout time.
Read a historical fiction/mystery Lady Violet Enjoys a Frolic Grace Burrowes 8/6
V) MOTIVE something materially valuable on the cover
5 Bodies to Die For Stephanie Bond 8/15
VI) SIDEKICK . Nerd/Geek: You're more the gut instinct type, so you rarely and reluctantly employ A.I/ technology. How do you trust these things? You're surely experienced enough to know when you see the killer.
the main character is tech savvy: IT Manager Mia Connors A Geek Girl's Guide to Justice Julie Anne Lindsey 8/13
L J wrote: "Meg wrote: "Well, this is no fun. My GR homepage and all my challenge pages are totally messed up. Take this challenge, for example...the layout is abnormal, no dates are showing up on my posts (an..."Mobile version. Look below. Click on Desktop version.
It was that messed up that whatever you posted to "look below" didn't post. Thank you, though, for responding! I appreciate it!
I ended up logging off and staying off for a day or so (that wasn't easy). It was normal when I finally logged back on.
Here's my finished product!Part I:
I. Detective
Read a book that features an amateur detective, a cop, a P.I. or someone who knows (or thinks they know) what they're doing when they encounter a dead body.
The Last Word, Elly Griffiths 08/012. Victim
Read a book where the main character runs a business
The Body in the Bookstore 08/073. Weapon
Read a book with food, drink or a kitchen implement on the cover OR a book with recipes OR a book with a culinary theme. ==> ALL THREE
Cheddar Off Dead 08/204. Location to find the body
Read a book set in a small town
Cry Wolf 08/055. Motive for the murder.
Read a book with a real or imagined famous person. ==> Edison
Mystery in Manhattan 08/056. Sidekick to help solve it.
Read a book where MC's friend(s) is/are key characters
Baskets and Beignets 08/03Part II: Plot
Okay, I read the example wrong...for some reason I thought we had to use the book titles in the story! Lol. 😂 Here's my masterpiece, done wrong:
"Did you hear about the latest Mystery in Manhattan?" Judy asked while she prepared the latest Baskets and Beignets order at her bread and cheese shop, Cheddar Off Dead. "You mean the one at The Last Word bookstore? Or the one at the Cry Wolf animal rescue? Or the one at the pizza place on the corner?" her partner asked her. Judy rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay, I get it. It's New York, there's always something going on. I'm talking about The Body in the Bookstore." And just like that the two friends had another mystery to solve.
I finished one mystery already! I'm sure sequels can follow.
Mod
Congratulations Author!!
Mod
Murder may not be game warden Joe Pickett's business, but he gets involved in murder cases all the same, even in the small town where he lives. Was the new arrival in town killed by knife, gun or spear? I won't spoil the book by giving it away :) The victim's love interest pushed authorities to solve the case, in which money, money, money was involved.
DETECTIVE : Game warden Joe Pickett
Free Fire (Joe Pickett #7), by C.J. Box, finished 6/23/24 ★★★★
LOCATION : Small Towns
Lions and the Living Dead (Madigan Amos Zoo #4), by Ruby Loren, finished 6/15/24 ★★★.5
VICTIM : New Arrival in Town
A Very Woodsy Murder (Golden Motel #1), by Ellen Byron, finished 7/2/24 ★★★.5
WEAPON : Knife/Gun/Spear
The Rubber Band (Nero Wolfe #3), by Rex Stout, finished 6/11/24 ★★★★
SIDEKICK : Love Interest
Change of Fortune (Miss Fortune #11), by Jana Deleon, finished 6/7/24 ★★★★
MOTIVE : Money, Money, Money
The Nature of the Beast (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #11), by Louise Penny, finished 6/12/24 ★★★★
WRITE YOUR OWN COZY MYSTERY
To participate in this challenge, you must read at least 6 books.
PART 1 : STORY ELEMENTS
READ ONE BOOK FOR EACH CATEGORY
* Detective * Victim * Weapon * Location * Motive * Side Kick
PART 2 : PLOT
Write a cozy mystery using the story elements/categories you read. Feel free to embellish, adding words to describe the plot.
(view spoiler)
PART 3
Once you have read one book in each category, you can choose how many additional tasks to complete. Mix and Match to write more mysteries. You can choose to kill all the victims wholesale with every murder weapon possible. It's up to you! Enjoy!
A) DETECTIVE:
1. MURDER IS MY BUSINESS!:
You consider yourself a sleuth whether you have a business card or not. Read a book that features an amateur detective, a cop, a P.I. or someone who knows (or thinks they know) what they're doing when they encounter a dead body.
game warden : Free Fire (Joe Pickett #7), by C.J. Box, finished 6/23/24 ★★★★
police : When the Party Died (Brock & Poole #3), by A.G. Barnett, finished 7/1/24 ★★★★
ex-sheriff : Purgatory Ridge (Cork O’Connor #3), by William Kent Krueger, finished 7/12/24 ★★★★
2. THE MEDDLESOME SNOOP OR COMMUNITY CRIME SOLVER:
It depends on your point of view. You are an amateur sleuth. To complete this challenge, read a book featuring an amateur/nonprofessional sleuth.
A Murder at the Movies (Secret Bookcase #2), by Ellie Alexander, finished 6/13/24 ★★★★
3. THE ANXIOUS FRIEND:
You are the sensible friend who advises caution, and thinks dead bodies are best left to the authorities. You are reasonable, but always ignored. To complete this task, read a book where the MCs friend/BFF is a key character.
Henry Standing Bear keeps Walt sane most of the time : As the Crow Flies (Walt Longmire #8), by Craig Johnson, finished 6/14/24 ★★★★
B) VICTIMS:
1. BUSINESS EMPLOYEE/CLIENT/RIVAL:
📙 Read a book where the main character runs a business
bakery : A Cup of Flour, a Pinch of Death (Baker Street #3), by Valerie Burns, finished 6/20/22 ★★★★
2. YOUR SCUMBAG EX AND/OR YOUR EX'S NEW FLAME:
📙 Read a book where the MC is divorced
Hush Puppy (Melanie Travis #6), by Laurien Berenson, finished 6/9/24 ★★★★
3. NEW ARRIVAL IN TOWN:
📙 Read a book that is a new arrival (first published in 2024*)
publ 7-23-24 : A Very Woodsy Murder (Golden Motel #1), by Ellen Byron, finished 7/2/24 ★★★.5
4. RED HERRING:
📙 Read a book where someone is falsely accused
A Deadly Feast (Key West Food Critic #9), by Lucy Burdette, finished 6/8/24 ★★★★ | (view spoiler)
5. RANDOM PERSON:
📙 Read a book by a new-to-you author
author Robert Thorogood – The Marlow Murder Club (Marlow Murder Club #1), by Robert Thorogood, finished 6/27/24 ★★★.5
C) WEAPONS:
1. DECEPTIVELY DELICIOUS FOOD:
📙 Read a book with food, drink or a kitchen implement on the cover
drinks : Name Your Poison (Top Shelf #3), by Lolli Powell, finished 6/6/24 ★★★★
2. Crafty Supplies:
📙 Read a book with clothes on the cover
cape : Murder at Traitors’ Gate (Tate & Bell #2), by Irina Shapiro, finished 6/4/24 ★★★★
3. HARDCOVER HOMICIDE:
📙 Read a book with books on the cover
A Controversial Cover (Booktown #18), by Lorna Barrett, finished 6/26/24 ★★★
4. DEADLY DECORATIONS:
📙 Read a book with flowers on the cover
The Rose Arbor, by Rhys Bowen, finished 7/6/24 ★★★★
5. Knife/Gun/Spear:
📙 Read a book from one of the GR Best Books lists. Tell us which list you choose.
Best "World" Mysteries, Thrillers, Detective and Suspense : The Rubber Band (Nero Wolfe #3), by Rex Stout, finished 6/11/24 ★★★★
D) LOCATIONS:
1. SMALL TOWN/LARGE CITY:
📙 Read a book hiding in the middle of a series (not 1st or last)
Lions and the Living Dead (Madigan Amos Zoo #4), by Ruby Loren, finished 6/15/24 ★★★.5
Book #4 of a 10-book series
2. DOWN MEMORY LANE:
📙 Read a historical fiction/mystery - set at least 50 years in the past (1970s or earlier)
set 1930s : Murder Under a Bad Moon (Mona Moon #3), by Abigail Keam, finished 7/16/24 ★★★.5
3. INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE:
📙 Read a book set in a country where English is not the primary language
Wales : Evan and Elle (Constable Evans #4), by Rhys Bowen, finished 6/2/24 ★★★★
4. TRAVEL TRAGEDY - PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES:
📙 Read the next in a series you haven't read in 2+ years
series last read August 2021 : The Day Will Come (Stella Crown #4), by Judy Clemens, finished 7/24/24 ★★★★
5. YOUR HOME/HOTEL/BUSINESS:
📙 Read a short, easy book/novella (less than 150 pp.)
122 pages : The Lair of the White Fox (Sister Fidelma #0.5), by Peter Tremayne, finished 6/13/24 ★★★★
E) MOTIVES
1. MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!:
📙 Read a bestseller
The Nature of the Beast (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #11), by Louise Penny, finished 6/12/24 ★★★★
2. THAT OLD REVENGE/JEALOUSY MOTIVE:
📙 Read a book where the authors initials can be found in "REVENGEJEALOUSY" (middle initials count if part of author's name on GR)
author Ayla Rose – Murder on Devil’s Pond (Hummingbird Hollow B&B #1), finished 6/18/24 ★★★★
3. NUDGE, NUDGE, WINK, WINK:
📙 Read a book recommended to you by a friend
Joanna : The Spy Coast (Martini Club #1), by Tess Gerritsen, finished 6/19/24 ★★★★
4. CRIME OF PASSION:
📙 Choose a book where a character is abusive.
Last Night at Villa Lucia, by Simon McCleave, finished 7/23/24 ★★★.5
(view spoiler)
5. WRONG PLACE/WRONG TIME:
📙 Read a book with an eye featured prominently on the cover
Savage Sourdough (Cozy Corgi #4), by Mildred Abbott, finished 7/11/24 ★★★★
F) SIDEKICKS
1. FRIEND/RELATIVE:
📙 Read a book where MC's friend(s) is/are key characters
The Body in the Bookstore (Secret Bookcase #1), by Ellie Alexander, finished 6/3 ★★★★
2. HOT LOVE INTEREST (... OR TWO):
to love?
📙 Read a book set during the summer
set in August : Change of Fortune (Miss Fortune #11), by Jana Deleon, finished 6/7/24 ★★★★
3. NERD/GEEK:
📙 Read a book that is NOT a cozy
Outlaw Mountain (Joanna Brady #7), by J.A. Jance, finished 6/5/24 ★★★★
4. FRIENDLY GHOST/SPIRIT:
📙 Read a book with a ghost, skeleton or other undead character OR an old(er) book (on your TBR more than 2 years)
added 11-5-17 *and ghosts in story : A History of Murder (Old Maids of Mercer Island #3), by Lynn Bohart, finished 7/14/24 ★★★★
5. CATS! DOGS!:
📙 Read a book with a cat or dog on the cover or in the story
No Paw to Stand On (Bookmobile Cat #12), by Laurie Cass, finished 7/7/24 ★★★★
Helen wrote: "I’ve added my first 6.1. Professional detective
2. Victim employee, client, or rival.
3. Weapon is a book.
4. In a foreign country.
5. Motive is passion.
6. Sidekick is nerd or geek.
I’ll need t..."
My story. I’m setting it at the Paris Olympics. Detective Inspector Cholmondely, and her Sergeant, cyber-geek Elise Brown, are called from Scotland Yard to the Olympic Village in Paris, where a young English man has been found dead in the athletes’ village.
Elise uses her internet skills to find online messages, proving that he was murdered by another young English man, who was in love with the British break-dancing competitor, and was jealous of the murdered man, whom she favoured. He was hit from behind with the break dancing rule book.
Helen wrote: "another young English man, who was in love with the British break-dancing competitor, and was jealous of the murdered man, whom she favoured. He was hit from behind with the break dancing rule book..."Gasp! Horror of horrors. Say it isn't true!
Anything but the break dancing rule book!!!
I never saw that coming!
I suspect the victim never saw it coming either...
Done in message 19! Be warned, I wrote my story wrong. You'll see what I mean!
Meg wrote: "Done in message 19! Be warned, I wrote my story wrong. You'll see what I mean!"Impressive! Great job with the beginning of a mystery! I would read it.
Mod
Love it, Meg!
Meg wrote: "Done in message 19! Be warned, I wrote my story wrong. You'll see what I mean!"Love it, very clever.
Meg wrote: "Done in message 19! Be warned, I wrote my story wrong. You'll see what I mean!"Excellent!
Completed two books! And two synopses of storylines.
Mod
Great job :)
Cozy Mystery Corner
Books mentioned in this topic
The Catalogued Corpse (other topics)Hemlines, Handbags & Havoc (other topics)
Donors, Deception & Death (other topics)
Home Tours, History & Homicide (other topics)
The Body in the Bookstore (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Julie Anne Lindsey (other topics)Stephanie Bond (other topics)
Ayla Rose (other topics)
Robert Thorogood (other topics)
Robert Thorogood (other topics)
More...
To write your own Cozy Mystery, read one book from each category (6 books).
Pick:
I) a Detective
II) an unfortunate Victim;
III) a deadly Weapon;
IV) a Location to find the body; and
V) finally, a Motive for the murder.
Plus, you need
VI) a Sidekick to help solve it.
I. DETECTIVE:
1. Murder is my Business!: You consider yourself a sleuth whether you have a business card or not. Read a book that features an amateur detective, a cop, a P.I. or someone who knows (or thinks they know) what they're doing when they encounter a dead body.
2. The Meddlesome Snoop or Community Crime Solver: It depends on your point of view. You are an amateur sleuth. To complete this challenge, read a book featuring an amateur/nonprofessional sleuth.
3. The Anxious Friend: You are the sensible friend who advises caution, and thinks dead bodies are best left to the authorities. You are reasonable, but always ignored. To complete this task, read a book where the MCs friend/BFF is a key character.
II) VICTIMS
1. Business Employee/Client/Rival: Your employee whose credentials you forgot to check before hiring, or your rival who really needs to die for opening the exact same business nearby, or your client who was really unlikable.
📙 Read a book where the main character runs a business OR a book where the protagonist has a rival (in love, business, etc.) OR a book with a character whom you dislike.
2. Your Scumbag Ex and/or Your Ex's New Flame: You're definitely the prime suspect here 'cause it serves those cheating so-and-so's right!
📙 Read a book that has a breakup OR a book where the MC is divorced OR a book with an "X" in the title or on the cover.
3. New Arrival in Town: No one knows much about them, they act shady and soon - they're dead.
📙 Read a book that is a new arrival (first published in 2024*) OR a book that has less than 1000 ratings on GR OR a book where the MC is new to town.
*See this list for ideas Cozy Mystery New Releases
4. Red Herring: The confusing victim - someone who dies around the same time as the primary murder. Were they killed or did they die naturally? Are the deaths connected?
📙 Read a book where someone is falsely accused OR a book with a surprise twist OR a mystery with several red herrings. Were you misled?
5. Random Person: You stumble across their body, but don't know who they are. No one can link you to the victim so you aren't a suspect. This time you can relax and enjoy solving the murder.
📙 Read a book by a new-to-you author OR a book that was free or cheap OR a book that helps you relax (beach read, light/humorous cozy).
III) WEAPONS
1. Deceptively Delicious Food: It may be mouth-watering and tasty, but almost any food can be made with, infused or steeped in poison. There's no telling what those strong flavors might hide.
📙 Read a book with food, drink or a kitchen implement on the cover OR a book with recipes OR a book with a culinary theme.
2. Crafty Supplies: A noose can be made out of yarn. Sharp scissors, and piercing needles lurk in any crafter's basket. Is murder written on their pointy tips?
📙 Read a book with clothes on the cover OR a book where a main character is a crafter (seamstress, quilter, glassblower, knitter, blacksmith, carpenter, et al.).
3. Hardcover Homicide: A good thump with a thick tome is enough to send anyone to meet their maker sooner than expected. Consider how those heavy, book-laden shelves might fall on a victim accidentally/on-purpose!
📙 Read a book with books on the cover OR a book set in a bookstore/library OR where the MC has a book-related career (ex: librarian, writer, book dealer, editor, professor).
4. Deadly Decorations: - Flowers/Fashion/Ornaments - All innocent looking, they can be deadly in the hands of a determined murderer! Makeup can be mixed with poison. Some flowers are toxic. Buttons and Christmas ornaments are a choking hazard. Strangled by a belt or necklace? A medley of methods for murder.
📙 Read a book with flowers on the cover OR a book where the MC is into fashion* OR a book set during a holiday.
*professionally or MCs apparel described in detail/may include brands.
5. Knife/Gun/Spear: Time tested weapons that are made-for-murder. These are extremely popular methods for killing one's enemy.
📙 Read a book with a weapon (gun, knife, hammer, etc.) on the cover OR a book from one of the GR Best Books lists. Tell us which list you choose.
IV) LOCATIONS
1. Small Town/Large City: Every mystery reader knows: Small towns attract killers who specialize in quality, intimate murders then hide in plain sight. Cities are where murderers can hide in the crowd and go undetected.
📙 Read a book set in a small town OR read a book with a cityscape on the cover OR read a book hiding in the middle of a series (not 1st or last).
2. Down Memory Lane: Not a new invention, murders have been committed throughout time.
📙 Read a historical fiction/mystery - set at least 50 years in the past (1970s or earlier) OR a book where part of the plot is revealed via flashback OR a book published in the 1970s or earlier.
3. International Intrigue: The pleasure of getting a passport, following a victim on a flight/cruise and killing them in another country while they're relaxed and having fun. Plus the killer gets to enjoy an activity without paying extra for it!
📙 Read a book set in a country where English is not the primary language (ex: France, Mexico) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in INTERNATIONAL (must be 3 words long; 'a', 'an', & 'the' count!) OR read a book where a key character is an immigrant.
4. Travel Tragedy - Planes, Trains and Automobiles: One of the best places to find a body is in a crowded plane or train or abandoned in a car. The murderer melts into the crowd like an innocent passenger.
📙 Read a book with a plane, train or automobile on the cover OR read a book where the MC travels and/or goes on vacation OR read a book or a series that you abandoned. [Give a DNF'd book a 2nd chance or Read the next in a series you haven't read in 2+ years.]
5. Your Home/Hotel/Business: There's no need to step out of your own home for the tedious job of stumbling over a body. You can't beat the convenience.
📙 Read a book set primarily in a house, farm, hotel or estate OR read a book with the words "HOTEL" or "HOUSE" in the title or series name OR read a short, easy book/novella (less than 150 pp.).
V) MOTIVES
1. Money, Money, Money!: Either the killer or the victim has committed fraud/embezzled fund, or is heir to a fortune or financially wealthy. Money makes the world go round, and murder happen.
📙 Read a book with something materially valuable on the cover (coins, jewelry, precious stones, etc.) OR read a book where the main character inherits something (house, business, etc.) OR read a bestseller.
2. That Old Revenge/Jealousy Motive: Victim cheated on the killer or killer envies the victim. See where it gets them!
📙 Read a book where the authors initials can be found in "REVENGEJEALOUSY" (middle initials count if part of author's name on GR) OR read an award winning book (tell us the award) OR read a book with a real or imagined famous person.
3. Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink: Victim is nosy, snooping on their neighbors with the unfortunate habit of not keeping their mouths shut. Or perhaps, this victim has something that the killer covets. It's a murder waiting to happen!
📙 Read a book recommended to you by a friend (GR friends included) OR a book that you borrowed OR a book with a supporting character who is nosey (ex: neighbor, friend).
4. Crime of Passion: It wasn't planned, but emotions boiled over and suddenly ... there was murder.
📙 Choose a book to read randomly, make an impulsive choice OR read a book with a red cover OR read a book where a character is abusive.
5. Wrong Place/Wrong Time: The Unwitting Victim who is killed because s/he stumbled across a murder or a vital clue and can identify the killer.
📙 Read a book where a character does something unexpected OR a book with an eye featured prominently on the cover OR a book with a clueless or absent minded MC.
VI) SIDEKICKS
1. Friend/Relative: The scaredy, cautious one that ends up helping anyway. Your 'ride or die' BFFs. Sometimes they blunder into being #1 suspect and you have to fight to protect them.
📙 Read a book where MC's friend(s) is/are key characters OR a book where a character gets into a mess OR a book where the MC or friend is falsely accused.
2. Hot Love Interest (... or Two): Really, they're not much help. But they're hot, and there are two so they keep things lively. Even if they try to stop you from doing foolish things, you can count on them for back-up when you do it anyway. Dazzled and dazzling. What's not to love?
📙 Read a book with a love triangle OR a book with someone you consider hot on the cover OR a book set during the summer.
3. Nerd/Geek: You're more the gut instinct type, so you rarely and reluctantly employ A.I/ technology. How do you trust these things? You're surely experienced enough to know when you see the killer.
📙 Read a book where technology plays a key role in solving the mystery OR a book where the main character is tech savvy OR a book that is NOT a cozy.
4. Friendly Ghost/Spirit: A Ouija Board is a fantastic murder solving tool. So are the friendly ghosts haunting your home or business. Being long dead, they interfere in your life for entertainment and amusement.
📙 Read a book with a ghost, skeleton or other undead character OR a book tagged "Gothic" OR an old(er) book (on your TBR more than 2 years).
5. Cats! Dogs!: Is that mysterious sequence "QRRDFSDARERT431214`##" your cat typed a clue to solving the murder? Pay attention to the disgusting dead thing they brought you. Your pets have a network of furry sleuths around town, better at sniffing out clues than you are.
📙 Read a book with a cat or dog on the cover or in the story OR a book with people who belong to a community or club (book club, church, craft circle, yoga sangha, etc.) OR a book with an unappealing cover.