George Jackson, Author

Poll on What are Cozies Anyway?

     A couple of days ago I placed a poll question on the Mystery Most Cozy home page. It basically was asking the writers and readers that frequent that FB page what goes into making a cozy. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have listened to a number of people debating about what elements a cozy must have in order to be considered a cozy. I thought it would be interesting to see what our membership thought.

     So here are the results as of Friday, February 7th. This poll is obviously random, but a large number of people did participate (along with nearly 80 comments clarifying their positions). People could check as many items as they wanted and they could add characteristics. The results are interesting, if for no other reason than it begins to solidify what writers and readers of cozies believe a cozy is. I want to thank everyone who took the time to add their two cents worth. It sparked a lively discussion, which was the purpose in the first place.

Here are the items that I, and others, placed on the poll (listed in frequency to help clarify):

It is a mystery without a great deal of bloodshed                                     69

It shouldn't have graphic sex                                                                    55

There should be no graphic violence                                                        47

There must be some likable and interesting protagonists                         42

It should have amateur sleuths                                                                  31

It should have humor (even black humor) to temper act of violence        30

There shouldn't be any foul language                                                        30

It should be a comfort read                                                                        19

Needs to have a happy ending                                                                   12

Children must never be harmed                                                                 11

It should have a cozy cover                                                                         8

Setting needs to be a small town or village                                                 7

Needs to have cats or dogs                                                                          5  

Needs to incorporate food in some way                                                      2

Needs to have at least one quirky character                                                3

Can't be objectionable in any way                                                               4

     Placing the poll on here makes it a bit easier for anyone who wants to look back at it. It was an interesting premise. Obviously, this isn't the definite version of what a cost is, but it shows what the people thought over the past 2-3 days on Mystery Most Cozy. Thanks goes to Jenny Hanahan. the administrator and moderator.

     May the dragons watch over all of us...and cozies as well...