What we learn about cosy crime from Rev Richard Coles.

Cosy v grisly

How can you craft a novel that blends cosy crime writing with a more grisly murder plot? The words of best-selling author Reverend Richard Coles provide valuable insight. In a recent show which I attended in Winchester Cathedral, he commented that “there’s nothing cosy about murder because it affects everyone concerned.” 

This statement has made author Fallon Howth (aka Howe and Keith) think, especially in drafting our latest crime mystery in the Montgomery Murder Mysteries series. In this the bodies of a mother and daughter are discovered in woods near two warring UK vineyards.  Traditionally, cosy crime writing has been defined by its quaint settings, charming characters, and lack of graphic violence. However, Richard Coles (in an interview by Dean Catherine Ogle (pictured)) challenges this notion by arguing that murder is never cosy because it affects everyone, from the victim and their loved ones to the detectives and even the perpetrator. 
 

Emotional fallout of a murder
 

This raises the question of whether it's possible to create a murder mystery story that balances a cosy setting with a realistic depiction of its devastating impact. While readers may enjoy the escapism that a cosy mystery provides, they may also appreciate the authors’ acknowledgement of the darker aspects of human nature and the emotional fallout of a murder. 
 

In summary, Coles' perspective on murder in cosy crime novels can help us create a more nuanced and sensitive story. We must remember that murder is a traumatic event that affects everyone involved, and. By striking a balance between the cosy setting and the grisly reality, we can create a compelling and thought-provoking murder mystery novel that readers will love.
 

P.S. Have you guessed the author of this newsletter? 90% was constructed using  Anyword AI Copywriter – with some minor tweaks by me. I’d love to know what you think.