As time passes, we’re seeing more and more literary genre combinations, leading to the creation of subgenres as many novels no longer fit into just one category but two or more. This is not a new phenomenon; a prime example is young Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which masterfully blends science, horror, and gothic fiction into one captivating tale.
On a lighter note, we’re now seeing more relaxing and fun combinations like the cozy mystery and romcom, which allow us to unwind and enjoy the story through multiple forms of stimulation. The most delicious combination is undoubtedly falling in love while solving a mystery; the mystery rom-com is a match made in literary heaven.
Some well-known examples of romcozy novels include Magic, Lies, and Deadly Pies by Misha Popp, A Pairing to Die For by Kate Lansing, and Curds of Prey by Korina Moss.
What Is A RomCozy?
The romcozy genre, a delightful tone created by the combination of cozy mystery and romcom, offers a unique reading experience. Despite the primary goal of solving a crime, there is no graphic violence or gore, and blood is not depicted.
Additionally, the characters use neutral language and avoid profanity. In the event of murder, the death occurs off-screen, allowing the story to maintain a pleasant and accessible atmosphere. This approach honors the romcom’s humorous and lighthearted tone, resulting in a relaxing and enjoyable reading experience.
Consequently, any tension that one might feel in a crime scenario is eliminated, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a light-hearted mystery with a touch of romance. For instance, the protagonist might find herself falling for the charming detective while they work together to solve the case, adding a romantic subplot to the mystery plot.
The story’s attraction lies in the quirky characters, particularly the amateur sleuth or the protagonist. In the past, this investigator was often a woman in her late 40s. However, in a refreshing update, we now see a younger, well-educated, career-driven woman with a passion for solving whodunit.
This evolution in the amateur sleuth character adds a modern twist to the cozy mystery genre, making it more relatable and appealing to a broader audience. The protagonist’s journey, growth, and interactions with other characters are crucial elements that contribute to the romcozy genre’s appeal.
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A quaint setting, such as a charming small town or picturesque location, evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. This comfy ambiance in both genres is essential to the storytelling and enhances the overall feeling of being wrapped up in a warm blanket for the reader.
Elements that we relate to either in the home or the food add to this sense of familiarity and, thus, relaxation. The absence of explicit language or obvious sexual scenes adds to this sense of coziness. The romance is subtle, and both genres’ witty banter and romantic tension make them compatible.
How Does It Compare To A Cozy Mystery?
The Cozy Mystery has become so popular that it has developed its tropes, one of which is the amateur sleuth who is engaging and discovers a crime related to a friend or family member. In such a case, the sleuth must get involved to find the real culprit. As written earlier, the setting is also essential as the idea that everyone knows everyone else creates intimacy and less tension.
In most murder mystery stories, the weapon used to commit the crime is usually found easily and is in close proximity to the victim. This makes solving the mystery easier for the protagonist, who is often eccentric. This adds to the story’s entertainment value as many unique characters are introduced, making it more memorable and fun.
Despite being a murder mystery, the story’s tone should be kept light to keep the audience engaged. The love interest in such stories is typically a detective or reporter involved in the case for a reason. It is also common for the love interest to be a suspect in the murder case, adding a personal touch to the story.
Some standard literary devices used in mystery stories include the presence of a nosy neighbor who often has gossip to share about the townspeople. However, their information can be both helpful and harmful. Another common device includes a pet sidekick, who often has a distinct personality and helps the protagonist solve the mystery. This means that pet lovers will immediately connect with the character. This can add humor to the story.
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Moreover, the protagonist often has a hobby or career that serves as a background and a reason to be in the right place at the right time to gather information. This adds to the connection between the fictional characters and the readers.
A Growing Popularity
The final trope is a well-known one: the red herring. This is necessary for any excellent mystery, as the plot requires readers to be misled and keep guessing until the last page when the author surprises the reader without revealing the plot. In the romcozy, there is the additional, dare we say, sexual or romantic tension that adds an extra allure to the plot and ensures more audience involvement.
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Interestingly, there are now subgenres to this subgenre:
- Standalone Cozy Mysteries
- General Cozy Mystery Series
- Historical Fiction Cozy Mystery Series
- Bookish Cozy Mystery Series
- Foodie Cozy Mystery Series
- Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series
- Cat Lover Cozy Mystery Series
- Sewing, Crafting, and Home Cozy Mystery Series
The possibilities are almost endless, and there is a subgenre that will appeal to any fan. The use of mystery clichés in a romantic comedy adds more substance to the story’s expected development. It also adds complexities to the relationship aspect of the story, thereby creating a deeper connection between the main characters. Despite the mystery element, the romance still involves the usual personal clashes that we expect from the main characters.
One must remember that when combined, cozy mysteries and romcoms or romcozy novels offer a lovely fusion of mystery-solving and heartwarming romance and the perfect escape.
