Killing Grinds (Orchard Hollow Mystery)
by A.N. Sage
I am delighted to welcome A.N. Sage to Escape With Dollycas today!
Crafting Whodunits: Tips for Writing a Cozy Mystery
by A.N. Sage
Welcome, fellow mystery enthusiasts and aspiring writers! Today, I want to offer some tips for writing a compelling cozy mystery that will keep people guessing until the final page. There are a few steps to creating an interesting and spine-tingling whodunit and while no two books are the same, similar tips can apply to most.
Setting the Stage: The Charming Locale
The first step in writing a cozy mystery is choosing the perfect setting. Picture a small town or a charming village with cobblestone streets and local businesses. The key is to create an inviting atmosphere where readers can easily imagine themselves. Describe the details of cozy cafes, quirky shops, and the idyllic landscapes that serve as the backdrop for your mystery.
Introducing Your Amateur Sleuth
Every cozy mystery needs a lovable and relatable sleuth. Whether it’s a bookstore owner, a baker, or a coffee shop running witch, your protagonist should be someone readers can connect with. Explore their quirks, passions, and personal challenges, making them not only a detective but a character readers can root for throughout the story.
The Crime: A Puzzle to Be Solved
The heart of any mystery is, of course, the crime. In cozy mysteries, the emphasis is on clever plotting rather than graphic violence. Craft a compelling puzzle that engages the reader’s intellect and sprinkle it with a touch of humor. The crime should be intriguing enough to keep readers turning the pages, but not so dark that it detracts from the cozy atmosphere.
Supporting Cast: Building a Community of Characters
Enrich your story by populating your cozy mystery with a diverse cast of supporting characters. Create friendships, rivalries, and alliances that add depth to your narrative. These characters should contribute to the sense of community in your setting, forming a network that supports or challenges your amateur sleuth as they untangle the mystery.
Keeping Readers on Their Toes
A successful cozy mystery keeps readers guessing until the very end. Introduce red herrings and unexpected twists to maintain suspense. Play with reader expectations while ensuring that the resolution is both satisfying and surprises without feeling forced.
Most importantly, remember that the magic lies in the combination of a captivating puzzle and the warmth of a close-knit community. Embrace the charm of your chosen setting, develop endearing characters, and craft a mystery that keeps readers eagerly flipping pages. May your cozy mystery captivate and entertain!
Thank you, A.N. for visiting today!
Keep reading for information about the newest Orchard Hollow Mystery!
About Killing Grinds
Killing Grinds (Orchard Hollow Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Oliver-Heber Books (November 28, 2023)
Paperback : 274 pages
ISBN-10 : 1648395147
ISBN-13 : 978-1648395147
Digital ASIN : B0CF2S4LH7
Piper Addison is in it deep. Turns out, finding out how your ghost familiar met her doom is not as easy as it sounds…
Tourist season is over and Orchard Hollow is as peaceful as ever. Piper Addison, the town witch and cafe owner, finally gets to kick back her sneakers and relax. The weather is glorious, her dusty love life has been resurrected, and she’s all caught up on binge watching shows. Nothing can be better!
Well, except for one slight problem.
Piper promised her ghost familiar she’d help find out what landed her in the land of the non-living.
It wouldn’t be so bad if the ghost didn’t have a case of amnesia and a serious need of an attitude adjustment. One thing is for certain, Piper’s familiar didn’t kick the bucket by choice.
Between figuring out the mystery of Stella’s demise, battling a raccoon for cookies, and tracing her mom’s steps hoping to reunite with a father she never met; Piper has her hands full. And this time, even her strange magic might not be enough to get her out of this bind.
Killing Grinds is a paranormal cozy mystery complete with an unlucky witch, a ghost familiar, and a feisty raccoon with a talent for getting into sticky situations.
About A.N. Sage
A.N. Sage is a bestselling, award-winning author of young adult fantasy and mystery. She has spent most of her life waiting to meet a witch, vampire, or at least get haunted by a ghost. In between failed seances and many questionable outfit choices, she has developed a keen eye for the extra-ordinary.
A.N. spends her free time reading and binge-watching television shows in her pajamas. Currently, she resides in Toronto, Canada with her husband who is not a creature of the night and their daughter who just might be.
A.N. Sage is a Scorpio and a massive advocate of leggings for pants.
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What an interesting paranormal cozy mystery! Delightful cast of characters (including the raccoon). Great cover too.