Blogging A to Z: Day 12 – Locked Room Mysteries: Cozy mysteries where the crime occurs in a locked room

Welcome, fellow mystery lovers! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Locked Room Mysteries. These are the cozy mysteries where the crime happens in a locked room – which, let’s be honest, is basically the ultimate party foul. But for us mystery enthusiasts, it’s the perfect setup for a brain-teasing puzzle that’ll have us scratching our heads and shouting “WHODUNNIT?!”

Now, if you’re not familiar with cozy mysteries, they’re the kind of books that make you feel like you’re snuggled up by a fireplace, sipping tea and watching the snow fall outside, while a bunch of people in tweed jackets and horn-rimmed glasses solve a murder mystery. They’re like Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey, with a dash of Miss Marple’s sassy wit thrown in for good measure.

But why am I blathering on about locked rooms and cozy mysteries, you may ask? Well, my dear reader, it’s because I have an affiliate relationship with some of the authors and books I’ll be recommending in this post. That means that if you click on the links I provide and end up buying something, I’ll earn a small commission. It’s a win-win situation, really. You get to discover some amazing new reads, and I get to buy more cat sweaters. So, let’s get into it!

Locked Room Mysteries are like escape rooms, except someone has already escaped this mortal coil. The crime scene is usually a room that’s been locked from the inside, which is great news for the killer because now they don’t have to worry about getting caught. It’s like a free pass to murder, with the added bonus of not having to pay for parking.

The Locked Room Puzzle is the key to solving the mystery. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle, except instead of creating a pretty picture, you’re putting together clues to catch a killer. And if you’re really good at it, you might even get a chance to say “Elementary, my dear Watson,” without sounding like a pretentious jerk.

With a Limited Number of Suspects, you have to be extra careful not to accuse the wrong person. It’s like trying to guess who ate the last piece of cake at a party, but instead of just feeling sad about it, you could end up in jail. So, you know, no pressure.

A Clever Detective is a must-have for a Locked Room Mystery. They need to be smart, observant, and able to think outside the box. Kind of like MacGyver, but with less duct tape and more crime-solving.

Minimal Violence is another characteristic of Locked Room Mysteries. They’re cozy mysteries, not bloody thrillers. Think more Miss Marple and less John Wick. It’s like a game of Clue, but without all the weapons and murder. Oh wait, scratch that last part.

Okay, so we’ve talked about what Locked Room Mysteries are, but let’s get into the good stuff: the famous ones that kept us guessing until the very end. You know, the ones that made us stay up way too late, bleary-eyed and fueled by nothing but pure, unadulterated curiosity.

First up, we have “The Mystery of the Yellow Room” by Gaston Leroux. https://amzn.to/3MwireM

This French novel from the early 1900s features a young woman who is found beaten and unconscious in a locked room, with no apparent way for the attacker to have gotten in or out. Cue the sleuthing! And let me tell you, this one is a real puzzler. But if you’re like me and enjoy a good brain-bender, then you’ll love trying to figure out how the heck the crime was committed.

Next on the list is “The Hollow Man” by John Dickson Carr. https://amzn.to/3UjXLs9

Set in London during the 1930s, this classic mystery features a murder that occurs in a locked room, and it’s up to the detective to figure out who the culprit is. But here’s the thing: this isn’t just any locked room. This is a room that has been sealed from the inside, with no windows or secret passageways. I mean, talk about a challenge! But that’s what makes it so fun to read.

Of course, we can’t talk about Locked Room Mysteries without mentioning the queen herself, Agatha Christie. ” https://amzn.to/3mi7J0v

And Then There Were None” is perhaps her most famous novel, and for good reason. Ten strangers are invited to an isolated island, where they soon realize that they are being picked off one by one. But here’s the twist: the killer is among them. Dun dun dun! I won’t give away any more spoilers, but trust me when I say that this one will keep you guessing until the very end.

Last but not least, we have “The Tokyo Zodiac Murders” by Soji Shimada. https://amzn.to/3KqAYWY

This Japanese novel from the 1980s features a series of murders that occur according to the twelve signs of the zodiac. But what makes this one so interesting is the way the clues are presented. You see, the novel is structured as a “file” of evidence, with letters, diary entries, and other documents that you get to piece together as you read. It’s like a puzzle within a puzzle within a puzzle, and it’s absolutely brilliant.

So there you have it, folks. Four of the most mind-bending Locked Room Mysteries out there. I highly recommend checking them out, but be warned: you may find yourself staying up way too late, desperate to find out whodunit. And really, is there any better feeling than that?

Ah, Locked Room Mysteries. The ultimate challenge for any cozy mystery writer. The detective has to solve a crime that seems impossible – a murder that took place in a locked room with no signs of entry or exit. But leave it to our favorite cozy mystery authors to come up with some brilliant solutions.

Take M.C. Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth series, for example. This Scottish detective has a way of solving crimes that is both charming and unexpected. https://amzn.to/3modAS3

In “Death of a Gossip,” he manages to solve a murder that takes place in a castle with a secret staircase. I mean, who doesn’t love a secret staircase? It’s like a hidden passage, but fancier.

And then there’s Jessica Fletcher’s Murder She Wrote series. https://amzn.to/3MqIwf9

This woman has solved more crimes than any other cozy mystery character out there, and she does it all with a smile on her face and a typewriter by her side. In “The Murder of Sherlock Holmes,” Jessica tackles a locked room mystery that involves a magician’s disappearing act. You know what they say, “now you see him, now you don’t…and now you’re dead.”

If you’re looking for a locked room mystery with a twist, check out The Puzzle Lady Mysteries by Parnell Hall. https://amzn.to/3nPVuZs

The main character, Cora Felton, is a crossword puzzle creator who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation in “A Clue for the Puzzle Lady.” But the real mystery is how the killer managed to sneak into a locked room without leaving any clues behind. Maybe they’re secretly a crossword genius.

Last but not least, we have the Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton. https://amzn.to/3GwsX1M

This cozy mystery series is perfect for anyone who loves a good ghost story. In “Aunt Dimity’s Death,” the titular character is already dead when the story begins, but that doesn’t stop her from helping her niece solve a locked room mystery involving a hidden passage and a secret room. Who says you need to be alive to solve a murder?

So there you have it, folks. Four cozy mystery series that have tackled the challenging locked room mystery trope with creativity and humor. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next author to come up with a brilliant solution to this seemingly impossible crime. Just remember to add in some cozy elements – we don’t want anyone getting too scared now, do we?

So, you want to write a locked room mystery, eh? Well, grab a cup of tea and let’s get to it.

First up, Setting the Scene. It’s important to create a believable and intriguing setting for your mystery. Think about what kind of room you want to lock your victim (or suspect) in. A dusty old library? A creepy attic? A luxurious yacht? Or maybe a porta-potty at a chili cook-off. Hey, don’t judge. A locked porta-potty can be surprisingly effective.

Next, Creating the Puzzle. This is where things get really fun. You want to come up with a puzzle that is challenging, but not so complex that your readers give up halfway through. Maybe your victim was shot, but there’s no gun in the room. Or perhaps they were strangled, but there are no footprints on the carpet. It’s up to you to create a puzzle that will have your readers scratching their heads and saying, “Whaaaaat?”

Then there’s Developing the Characters. This is where you get to have some real fun. Think about the suspects and their motives. Maybe the victim was a wealthy but unpleasant businessman, and all of his employees had a reason to want him dead. Or maybe it was a family gathering, and everyone had a motive for bumping off dear old Aunt Agatha. Don’t be afraid to make your characters quirky and interesting. Maybe the gardener has a pet tarantula, or the chef has a secret fondness for disco music. The more colorful your characters, the more fun your readers will have.

Now, Crafting the Solution. This is where you tie up all the loose ends and reveal the killer. It’s important to make sure that your solution is plausible and satisfying. You don’t want your readers to feel cheated or confused. And don’t forget to throw in a few red herrings along the way. Maybe the butler was acting suspicious, but it turns out he was just trying to cover up his secret addiction to online gaming.

Finally, Adding Cozy Elements. This is what separates a locked room mystery from a hardcore thriller. Cozy mysteries are all about the atmosphere, so don’t forget to add some cozy elements to your story. Maybe there’s a crackling fire in the fireplace, or a pot of tea brewing in the kitchen. Or perhaps your detective has a lovable but lazy cat that likes to curl up on his lap while he’s solving the case. Cozy elements are what make a mystery feel warm and inviting, so don’t be afraid to sprinkle them throughout your story.

And there you have it! Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to writing a locked room mystery that will keep your readers guessing until the very end. Just remember, when in doubt, throw in a porta-potty. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Well, folks, we’ve reached the end of our journey through the mysterious world of locked room mysteries. We’ve explored what makes these cozy whodunits so intriguing – the impossible crime scene, the limited number of suspects, and of course, the clever detective who always manages to solve the case.

We’ve also delved into some of the most famous locked room mysteries of all time, from Gaston Leroux’s “The Mystery of the Yellow Room” to Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.” And let’s not forget about the cozy locked room mysteries, like the Hamish Macbeth series by M.C. Beaton and the Puzzle Lady Mysteries by Parnell Hall.

But we’re not done yet, my dear readers! There are plenty more cozy mysteries out there just waiting to be explored. So, I invite you to grab a cup of tea, cozy up with a good book, and lose yourself in the tantalizing world of locked room mysteries. And who knows – maybe you’ll even be inspired to write your own cozy mystery one day. The possibilities are endless!

Until next time, happy sleuthing!