Blogging A to Z: Day 8 – Historical cozy mysteries: Cozy mysteries set in a historical time period

Oh, hey there! Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of cozy mysteries? If you’re a fan of these delightfully charming and quirky stories, then you know how much fun they can be. For those of you who might be new to the cozy mystery scene, let me give you the rundown.

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Cozy mysteries are a subgenre of mystery fiction that often feature an amateur sleuth as the main character. They typically take place in a small town or village and have a cozy, intimate feel to them. Think of them as Agatha Christie meets Gilmore Girls.

But have you heard of historical cozy mysteries? These gems take all the charm of a cozy mystery and transport you back in time to a historical era. From the roaring twenties to the Victorian era, historical cozy mysteries offer a unique blend of mystery, history, and whimsy that keeps readers coming back for more.

In this post, we’ll explore why historical cozy mysteries are so popular among readers and what makes them so appealing. So grab a cup of tea, curl up in your favorite chair, and let’s get cozy with some historical mysteries!

Ah, historical cozy mysteries. It’s like stepping back in time without having to deal with corsets and chamber pots. So, what makes these types of cozy mysteries so special? Let’s dig in!

First of all, historical cozy mysteries are like a time machine. They take us to a different era and immerse us in the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone time. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love feeling like they’re in a Jane Austen novel (minus the societal restrictions, of course)?

But it’s not just the ambiance that makes historical cozy mysteries great. The historical element can add depth to the characters and settings. Think about it: the characters have to deal with the limitations and prejudices of the time period, which can make their triumphs all the more satisfying. Plus, authors can use historical events as a backdrop for their mysteries, which adds a layer of complexity to the plot.

And let’s not forget the research that goes into writing a historical cozy mystery. Authors have to delve into the archives, scour old newspapers, and read dusty tomes to make sure they get the details right. It’s like being a detective and a historian at the same time. Talk about a challenge!

Some authors even incorporate real historical figures into their stories. Can you imagine solving a mystery with Jane Austen? Or helping Queen Victoria solve a crime? It’s like living out our wildest historical fantasies (minus the part where we die of cholera or tuberculosis).

So, whether you’re a history buff or just love a good mystery, historical cozy mysteries have something for everyone. With their unique blend of history and whodunit, they’re the perfect way to escape to another time and place (without having to deal with chamber pots).

Oh, my dears, have I got some historical cozy mystery series for you! These are the books that will make you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea, and dive into a world of intrigue and suspense. So, let’s take a look at what sets each of these series apart and makes them so unique.

First up, we have the Lady Hardcastle Mystery series by T E Kinsey. https://amzn.to/3Zyyewb

Set in the English countryside during the 1900s, this series follows the witty and charming Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence, as they solve mysteries that often involve high society and local villagers. What sets this series apart is its delightful banter between the two main characters, which will have you laughing out loud.

Next on the list is the Veronica Speedwell Mystery series by Deanna Raybourn. https://amzn.to/3nDtAQm

Set in the late 1800s, this series follows the adventurous and independent Veronica Speedwell, a lepidopterist (that’s a butterfly expert, my darlings) who solves crimes with the help of her colleague, Stoker. What sets this series apart is its focus on the unconventional heroine and her fascinating profession.

Moving right along, we have the Phryne Fisher Mystery series by Kerry Greenwood. https://amzn.to/3nzpmsZ

Set in 1920s Melbourne, Australia, this series follows the glamorous and sassy Phryne Fisher as she solves mysteries that often involve the city’s seedy underbelly. What sets this series apart is its strong female protagonist and the exciting setting that transports readers to a different time and place.

Last but not least, we have the Gaslight Mystery series by Victoria Thompson. https://amzn.to/3ZuwaWh

Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, this series follows midwife Sarah Brandt and police detective Frank Malloy as they work together to solve crimes that often involve the city’s wealthy elite. What sets this series apart is its unique perspective on the historical time period and the strong relationship between the two main characters.

These are just a few examples of the wonderful historical cozy mystery series out there, my dears. So, grab a book (or several) from these series and transport yourself to another time and place full of suspense, intrigue, and a healthy dose of humor.

Alrighty then, let’s talk about some tips for writing historical cozy mysteries, shall we?

First things first, when it comes to incorporating historical elements into your story, it’s important to strike a balance between accuracy and creative license. You don’t want to be so rigidly accurate that your story feels like a history lesson, but you also don’t want to be so loosey-goosey with the facts that you end up rewriting history altogether.

One way to strike that balance is to do your research, baby! And not just any research, but deep-dive, obsessive, borderline-creepy research. You want to immerse yourself in the time period you’re writing about, to the point where you can smell the musty old books and feel the scratchy wool of the Victorian-era clothing on your skin.

Hit up the library, check out historical archives, watch documentaries, and maybe even visit some historical sites. And don’t forget to consult with experts in the field, like historians, archaeologists, and maybe even a psychic or two (just kidding, but hey, you never know!).

Another tip is to focus on the details. Historical cozies are all about the cozy, and that means creating a warm and inviting world that readers can sink into. So pay attention to the little things that make a time period unique, like the slang people used, the food they ate, the music they listened to, and the fashion they wore.

And last but not least, don’t be afraid to get creative, my fellow weirdos! Historical cozies are a great place to let your freak flag fly, so don’t feel like you have to stick to the rigid conventions of the time period. Throw in a psychic detective, a time-traveling sleuth, or a secret society of vampire hunters. As long as you stay true to the spirit of the genre and give readers the cozy mystery they crave, you can take all the creative liberties you want.

So go forth and write, my fellow oddballs! The world needs more historical cozies, and I can’t wait to read them all.

Well, my fellow cozy mystery lovers, we’ve covered a lot of ground here today. We’ve talked about the advantages of historical cozy mysteries and how they offer a unique reading experience. We’ve also discussed some of the best series out there, and how authors can effectively weave history into their stories without getting bogged down by research.

But let’s not forget why we’re all here in the first place. Historical cozy mysteries are just plain fun! They transport us to a different time and place, and let us solve mysteries alongside charming characters with interesting backstories.

So, whether you’re a reader looking for a new genre to explore, or a writer searching for inspiration, historical cozy mysteries are an excellent choice. They’re the perfect combination of history, mystery, and cozy goodness that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

So grab your tea, snuggle up with a warm blanket, and dive into the world of historical cozy mysteries. I promise you won’t be disappointed.