I don’t know about you, but Artificial Intelligence (AI) is in our faces every day. From social media posts to using any Microsoft or Google products to fake videos, photos, and memes, it is a current hot topic. It grabbed my attention when so many of my author friends learned the books they had worked so hard on were being used to train AI features without their permission or compensation. So immediately, I was totally against it. I know there are lawsuits and class actions ongoing because this is basic theft.

I also received a book for review a few months ago that was clearly AI-generated and was a DNF for me. While books from very successful authors were used to train, they didn’t learn the nuance, the depth, or the cleverness it takes to write a successful story you can sink your teeth into. Books written with AI should be labeled as such; readers deserve to know. I have also heard of people using AI to write their book reviews. I promise you, I will never do that!

Lately, with Microsoft Designer, Canva, and other platforms, I have enjoyed creating graphics like the ones at the top of my posts by inputting prompts that generate backgrounds that I can then add text to. I was a crafty person years ago, but I could never paint or draw the beautiful images these programs create. Some platforms have free options, others need credits that you get when you buy Pro versions, and others, like Microsoft 365, give you a certain number of credits per month as part of the subscription. With Microsoft eliminating its Publisher platform in 2026, users will have to find new options to replace a mainstay program, and people are not happy. I will be trying many different ones to make the banners for the book tours to find what works best.

Because I use Microsoft 365, every time I open a Word document, a box appears at the top of the screen that says, “What do you want Copilot to draft?” Usually, I ignore it and do what I want, but knowing I didn’t have a review to post today due to taking time to spend with my new, wonderful grandson, I thought, “What the heck?” I typed in “blog post about cozy mysteries”. Co-pilot wrote the piece in seconds. What you see below are the results with a few formatting changes. It cost me 1 Credit.

The Irresistible Charm of Cozy Mysteries

Unraveling the Delightful World of Whodunits Without the Gore
Written by Microsoft Copilot

Introduction

If you’re a fan of suspenseful stories but prefer your mysteries with a dash of warmth and whimsy, cozy mysteries are the perfect genre for you. These engaging tales combine intrigue, quirky characters, and charming settings to create an immersive reading experience that is both comforting and entertaining.

What Makes a Mystery “Cozy”?

Cozy mysteries are distinguished by their gentle approach to crime. Instead of dark, gritty urban landscapes and graphic violence, cozy mysteries often take place in small towns or villages teeming with eccentric residents. The sleuths are amateur detectives—think bookshop owners, bakers, librarians, or retirees—who find themselves drawn into solving crimes through wit and curiosity rather than official training.

Violence, if present at all, occurs off the page. The focus is on unraveling the puzzle and building relationships among the cast of characters, making cozy mysteries an inviting choice for readers who enjoy clever plots without the intensity of more graphic thrillers.

Signature Elements of Cozy Mysteries

• Relatable Amateur Sleuths: Whether it’s a cat-loving grandmother or a young chef, the detective is someone you could imagine meeting in real life.
• Quirky Supporting Cast: Small-town gossips, nosy neighbors, and loyal pets often play crucial roles in the story’s twists and turns.
• Inviting Settings: From charming English villages to cozy coffee shops, the backdrop adds to the inviting atmosphere.
• Lighthearted Humor: Witty banter, playful antics, and humorous misunderstandings keep the tone upbeat and fun.
• Focus on Puzzles: The mystery itself is central, encouraging readers to solve the case alongside the sleuth.

Why Readers Love Cozy Mysteries

Cozy mysteries offer a welcome escape from everyday stress. With their comforting settings and lovable characters, these books provide a sense of belonging and community. Readers often return to their favorite series for the familiar charm and gentle pace, discovering new clues and suspects along the way.

The genre also appeals to those who appreciate clever storytelling. The lack of explicit content allows for a focus on deduction, logic, and sometimes, a touch of romance. Cozy mysteries are perfect for curling up with a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon or unwinding after a long day.

Popular Series to Explore

• The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
• The Cat Who… series by Lilian Jackson Braun
• Agatha Raisin Mysteries by M.C. Beaton
• The Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs
• Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
• The Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle

Conclusion

If you’re seeking a mystery that feels like a warm hug—with suspense, laughter, and a sprinkle of charm—cozy mysteries are sure to delight. Pick up one of these engaging tales and let yourself be transported to a world where solving puzzles is part of the fun and everyone feels like a friend.

Let me know what you think? AI has a definite learning curve, and I have just barely scratched the surface.
We need to educate ourselves on how to spot the deep fakes, especially in politics right now. Celebrities are a popular target, too. 

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas.