For some time, I’ve wanted to do an article about the culinary cozy mystery. These are cozy, and some not so cozy, mysteries that include food and recipes as a major part of the stories. But with all the entries in the culinary cozy genre, where would I even begin?
I’ve been a huge fan of the Hallmark Movies series with Hannah Swenson, based on the books by Joanne Fluke. The baker sleuth is always looking to bribe a potential witness with just the right cookie or brownie. That has the local police department eating out of her hand. (Pun intended.) Of course, I would have to look back at the gourmet and gourmand, Rex Stout‘s detective, Nero Wolfe. He even had his own private chef, Fritz.
But the culinary cozy holds a special niche for many readers. It usually involves a quiet picturesque town or village, quirky characters, and customers who aren’t worried with their waistlines. (That’s probably why you will never see one set in Hollywood.)
And then there’s—
But I recently came across a post at the Mystery Scene website, Murder on the Menu by Kevin Burton Smith. In it, he does a great job of looking at the different culinary cozy series and writers. Kevin’s knowledge of all thing’s crime fiction is mind-blowing. So, I’m posting a link to his article and will let you enjoy his list of culinary crime novels, cookbooks based on mysteries, and even a tasty sounding recipe.
Yes, cookbooks. (Thought I had slipped it passed you.) Many of the series have collected the recipes in their books into a handy cookbook. And although one of my favorite cozy series didn’t have recipes, there were a lot of meals, so The Cat Who…Cookbook was written. (With a special section on cooking for cats.)
Bon appétit.
A look at culinary cozies by Kevin Burton Smith @Tim Suddeth @OpeningaMYstery #Mysteries #Genres @KevinBurtonSmith Share on X