Cosy or not to Cozy?

Just checking to see if an AI post is allowed in MIE.  For research purposes?

I was planning to do a blog on "the cosy" but some food poisoning intervened so I asked AI to define the cosy, and it did. Interesting to note that as the UK and USA drift further apart, the Brits seem to be reclaiming their vowels in the world of publishing. So when cosy is typed, it's me. When cozy is typed is the AI person.

Here's the definition it came up with. I asked for 500 words. It repeated a lot so I've snipped it.

"A cozy mystery, often affectionately referred to as a "cozy," is a subgenre of crime fiction distinguished by its lighthearted and comforting tone, which sets it apart from the grittier, more graphic forms of mystery or thriller. These stories typically revolve around a puzzling crime, usually a murder, that occurs in a close-knit community or small-town setting. What makes cozies so appealing to readers is their mix of suspense, charm, and a wholesome atmosphere.

                                                           

The hallmark of a cozy mystery lies in its unassuming protagonist. Unlike the hardened detectives or forensic experts seen in other crime novels, the main character in a cozy is often an amateur sleuth. These protagonists can range from bakers, librarians, gardeners, or even retirees who possess an innate knack for solving mysteries despite their lack of formal training. Their relatability is key, as they navigate both the intricacies of the case and their everyday lives.

                                                           

Cozies are notable for their emphasis on the intellectual challenge of solving the puzzle, rather than dwelling on the graphic details of the crime. Violence, when it occurs, is typically "offstage" and described in a non-explicit manner. Similarly, themes of sex, profanity, and gore are toned down or entirely absent, making cozy mysteries suitable for a wide audience.

The setting is another essential element of the genre. Cozy mysteries often unfold in picturesque and idyllic locations, such as quaint villages, charming coastal towns, or cozy urban neighborhoods. These settings contribute to the warm, inviting atmosphere of the story while creating a tight circle of suspects who are all connected in some way. This allows readers to play detective alongside the protagonist, gathering clues and piecing together the mystery.

Supporting characters in cozies tend to be as much a draw as the crime-solving itself. These novels often feature a colorful cast of recurring side characters, including quirky friends, nosy neighbors, or lovable pets. Relationships and community dynamics add depth to the story and create a sense of familiarity and connection for readers, especially in cozy series where characters reappear in multiple books.

Humor also plays an integral role in cozy mysteries. The dialogue, situations, and character interactions frequently incorporate wit and charm, keeping the tone light despite the serious subject matter. This balance between suspense and humor makes cozies an uplifting reading experience.

The origins of the cozy mystery genre can be traced back to the classic works of authors such as Agatha Christie, whose novels featuring sleuths like Miss Marple exemplify many of the genre's defining traits. In contemporary literature, cozy mysteries have flourished, with countless subgenres emerging, such as culinary, pet-themed, and holiday-centric cozies."

It's me again. I thought I'd butt in here as I have never seen Agatha as cosy. Ordeal by Innocence for example is a very nasty ( ie very good!) book but is it cosy?  Murder is Easy? Or the one with the architect, the house and Gerda where the witch jumps out and frightens the horse. 

                                                                                                                     

                                                      

                                           

Next week, or the week after, I'm doing Twisted Sister Part 2. Jackie Baldwin, who lives down in the borders somewhere. Her book is listed as cosy. It's terrifying. But here's the blurb in Amazon...

Murder at Whiteadder House: An absolutely brilliant cozy mystery novel that will have you racing to the end (A Grace McKenna Mystery Book 3)

Cosy, it was not. Brilliant it was, but not cosy. Quite shocking in parts! And medically, rather frightening. I shall say no more. But let's leave it at Whiteadder House is a type of care facility.....

So why does her publisher push it as a cosy? ( It doesn't have the Richard Osman cover!!)

There's no swearing. There's no sex.  There's a helpful dog. The author calls the characters by their first names.   So far it's ticking boxes.

The subject matter is well thought through and scary. Societal issues are right at the forefront of the story - in some ways, it's more hard, gritty realism.  And the investigative team are an agency of likable, very relatable characters and there's good reasons in the plot why the police can't get involved, which  was an interesting plot device to avoid the 'all cops are daft' that some cosies adopt.

Hopefully I can terrify Jackie into blogging for us next week and I can interrogate her further.

Has anybody on here been tempted to do a cosy? I was thinking of a crime writers convention on a Scottish island, and the writers are murdered one by one. I think wine would be involved, haggis and  bad weather. Oh, actually, apart from the haggis, I think Agatha had that one covered ...

Cheers

C