Today I’m answering all the questions on the Cozy Mystery Tag which was started by Angela Maria Hart all the way back in 2017. Better late than never I suppose…I always seem to be late to trends. If you want to do the tag consider yourself tagged!
Location, Location Location: What’s You’re Favorite Small- Town Cozy?
Is there a more iconic small town than St. Mary Mead in the cozy mystery genre? I don’t think so. The Murder at the Vicarage is a perfect mystery set in this not so idyllic little English village.
For The Love Of Food: What’s Your Favorite Food Themed Cozy?
Jeanne Cooney’s Hot Dish Heaven was a smash hit all over Minnesota and I have had the pleasure to host her at various signings and gatherings. Her hotdishes are delicious, her mysteries are fun and have lots of local Easrer eggs, and she’s an utter delight.
Man or Woman’s Best Friend: Your Favorite Furry Friend?
I am a big fan of cats in the cozy mystery subgenre. One of my favorite kitty sidekicks is Samantha of the Rachel Murdock series. Samantha will claw murderers and save her companion Rachel at any cost.
Law Enforcement: Friend or Foe? Name Your Favorite Ally/Enemy Law Enforcement
Okay, I like a specific subgenre of the amateur detective vs law enforcement, where the amateur detective is married to the police officer/ PI or are close friends with the law enforcement officer. This seems to have been really popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Frances and Richard Lockridge as well as Frances Crane are prolific in this subgenre.
Idle Hands: Favorite Job or Hobby to Read About?
I don’t think I have one. I usually don’t read books about a specific hobby or job. I’m more character focused in my reading.
Elementary My Dear Watson: Favorite Best Friend/ Watson-esque Character
Arthur Hastings is so funny to me. He’s always on the wrong tack and head over heels for some murder suspect. Hastings is a perfect foil for the controlled, emotional reticent Poirot.
One Big Happy Family: Who is Your Favorite Cozy Family
I really like the “found family” aspects of The Thursday Murder Club and The Marlow Murder Club, especially as I age and live further away from my blood relatives. I also really love Nancy’s family which is made up of her dad, but also a large number of friends that serve as her family and keep her safe on her adventures.
Tis the Season: What is Your Favorite Holiday Themed Cozy Read
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas has so much going for it. Country house, Christmas spirit, an unhappy family at the hands of a money grubbing patriarch. Plus Poirot absolutely hating the English countryside and winter in general. There’s murders, food, and a rambling old English house going to ruin.
Month to Month: Solving Mysteries through the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. What is Your Favorite Seasonal Cozy Mystery
The Miss Silver Series is really fantastic at having the atmosphere of the story directly impacted by the season. In fact the seasons are almost their own characters in the stories and add a layer of richness to the books.
Special Skills: Does Your Favorite Amateur Detective Have A Unique Skill?
I don’t think I have a favorite amateur detective, but I’m partial to the kind that draw out information in an informal and conversational way.
Reading Time: How Do You Get Cozy to Read a Cozy?
I love being cozy. A chunky sweater, my favorite fuzzy slippers, hot cocoa and an abundance of blankets. Even in summer, I love snuggling in a blanket on the sofa with my dog or cat and reading.
Recommendations: What is Your Favorite Cozy Mystery?
I re-read Hercule Poirot’s Christmas every year. I love it!
Golden Age of Detective Fiction 
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