Fresh Fiction Blog | Victoria Hamilton | Quirky Characters in the Cozy Mystery

One of my favorite mystery series of all time is Joan Hess’s Maggody series. She is the master of creating weird, wild, and yet lovable characters. Anyone who has taken the trip to Maggody, Arkansas and lived a while among the Buchanons knows exactly what I mean. I’ve read all the titles, and some more than once.

So when I set out to create the folks of Autumn Vale, New York, for the Merry Muffin Mystery series, it was with an eye to creating a unique world of people who had lived in an insulated environment for so long they had kind of a short hand in dealing with each other. Merry Wynter, I figured, would arrive like a visitor to a foreign country; she doesn’t speak the language and she isn’t sure how to deal with the natives.

I carefully say it was with an eye to creating it, because I found in writing the books that my own style, so thoroughly grounded in reality, didn’t lend itself to the wonderfully weird characterizations that Hess manages. It could easily have become a case of an author shooting for the stars and managing only to launch a few bottle rockets.

However… I’m satisfied. Joan Hess is masterful in her humorous portrayals, but many other writers shoot for hilarity but fall so far short it becomes irritating. I never want to go to irritating, for obvious reasons. Instead, I hope readers come away from Autumn Vale with a sense that yes, some of these folks are a few degrees off level, several bricks shy of a load, and definitely some sandwiches short of a picnic, and yet endearing realistic and fun to spend time with. Like your own friends, I want readers to embrace the oddness of the personalities, and yet appreciate the goodness at their core. Aren’t we all a little off center?

Humor is such an individual thing that one reader’s hilarious is another reader’s aggravating. So to you all I ask this questions: when you read humorous mysteries, do you enjoy the characterizations? How far is too far? Do you have humorous mystery series that you recommend to others?

Share them with us all! I’m always up for some fun cozy reads.

Comment below for a chance to win a prize package (pictured above) including a Cozy Mystery book tote, a cozy mystery pen, and MUFFIN BUT MURDER, as well as a copy of TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT, written by Victoria as Amanda Cooper! Contest open to all readers in the US and Canada.

Comments

I love humor in any genre and quirky people are the BEST. It adds to the story to have people you can identify with from book to book and quirks are a definite plus.
(Sharon Mitchell 3:43am June 30, 2014)

I do enjoy quirky characters although I am not sure what is too far. Probably when the character starts to annoy me.
(Maureen Emmons 5:18am June 30, 2014)

Love all of her series and can't wait to read the next new
book
(Rebecca Prazak 8:18am June 30, 2014)

I have to be honest - I've not read any of your books. But after reading today's blog and the description of your books, I'm going to remedy that omission real quick. I love "quirky" characters - I think the more unique, the better. Thanks for this chance to win.
(Nancy Reynolds 9:51am June 30, 2014)

I love stories with humor but I like the more subtle and even
sarcasm at times. What I'm not fond of is "forced" humor an
stupidity that's over the top. I think the key is realism and
like you said I want characters that I'd love to spend time
with.
(Theresa Dunlap 9:53am June 30, 2014)

I am just starting to read these types of books and hope to
read more.
(Debra Guyette 10:25am June 30, 2014)

I can't say that I've ever read a humorous Mystery before,
but after reading your posting, you've really peaked my
interest!!
Because my Husband tells me that I have a warped sense of
humor, and he's the only one who has ever said that to me, I
have a feeling that I will really enjoy your series!!
Because my taste in books are all over the map, so to speak,
this will be another genre to add to my repertoire, I'm
sure. Whoever did the cover art to your book did a
wonderful job, since I love the design of the cover. It's
lovely, and so colorful!! Congratulations on your book and
upcoming series!! I'm really looking forward to reading
it!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:34am June 30, 2014)

I really believe there is room for humor in mysteries. Cleo Coyle does a great job as well as many other authors. I am looking forward to discovering you. I also have a soft spot for anything "tea".
(Antonette Nyman 10:36am June 30, 2014)

I do love a cozy mystery! Agatha Christie set the standard for a generation!
(Marcia Berbeza 10:42am June 30, 2014)

I am captivated with your post and this cozy mystery sounds
wonderful.
(Sharon Berger 11:02am June 30, 2014)

This looks interesting. You are a new author for me ,
can't wait to read this one.
(Barbara Wells 11:25am June 30, 2014)

I have really enjoyed cozy mysteries. Usually no bad language
and no sex scenes. That to me is a plus.
I do love unusual characters.
Appreciate the chance to win and I have added you to my new
(to me) list of authors.
(Leona Olson 11:37am June 30, 2014)

Neat giveaway! Sounds good..would love to read it!
(Amanda Tonar 11:46am June 30, 2014)

Quirky characters and a little humor make cozy mysteries so
much fun to read. I'm addicted.
(Sue Farrell 11:53am June 30, 2014)

I like quirky characters from small towns.
(Helen Kotowske 12:06pm June 30, 2014)

This books sounds like it will be so much fun to read. I love suspense/murder/mystery novels with a sense of humor. This sounds like one I would read in one sitting. I also leave reviews on books that I like, ie: Amazon, Good Reads, B&N, and if you have suggestions, will leave reviews where you request. I love entering contests to try out books by new authors (to me) and when they are good I have my favorite indy bookstore author the books by author's names so that I don't miss any new books coming out. Thanks for this opportunity.
(Pat Moore 12:54pm June 30, 2014)

Your new book sounds really interesting. My favorite
humorous cozy mystery series is The Aunt Dimity Series by
Nancy Atherton.
(Diana Thomas 2:10pm June 30, 2014)

This book is definately going on my tbr list. Can't wait to read it.
(Linda Proulx 2:16pm June 30, 2014)

There are a couple of quirky cozy mysteries that are over the top. I want some humor but if the characters are just silly or played too broadly, it detracts from the story.
(Lorena Keech 2:34pm June 30, 2014)

I can't wait to read your new book! I love mysteries and
cozies are the best!
(Mary Hay 3:36pm June 30, 2014)

Cozy mysteries are a real hit at our public library....would love to win & donate the books to the library.
(Janet Robinson 4:49pm June 30, 2014)

I love a good cozy mystery that shows a bit of humor, interesting characters with a good storyline. While I haven't had the opportunity to read your books, just reading the excerpt makes me want to get a copy, snuggle down and read...read...read. Thank you
(C Culp 5:12pm June 30, 2014)

One of the funniest series I ever read and own most of was Lawrence Sanders' McNally series... Archie McNally is the family wastrel. He was thrown out of (I forget which)either college or law school for streaking.

Now he's the in house detective service for the family law firm... He is a real character, and his sidekicks are funny also.
(Nora-Adrienne Deret 5:58pm June 30, 2014)

Love huumor in books - don't remember any thhat were over the
top.
(Mary C 6:58pm June 30, 2014)

I must agree with the writer above who really loves Nancy Atherton's "Aunt Dimity" series, and Lawrence Sander's has a personal connection - he was my father's roommate as an undergraduate at Wabash College in the early 1940's!!

Cozy mysteries that involve cooking are favourites of mine, especially when there are recipes included!

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 7:55pm June 30, 2014)

I can't wait to read this humorous cozy mystery. Sounds like a very good series to read, and just what I need right now.
(Linda Luinstra 7:55pm June 30, 2014)

I am a relatively newcomer to cozy mysteries. i love them because they are just
good clean fun!
(MaryAnne Banks 9:06pm June 30, 2014)

cozy mystery - mystery - comfy chair and a CAT right???
(Pamela Faye Howell 9:16pm June 30, 2014)

I love mysteries
would love to win and read
(Pamela Faye Howell 9:16pm June 30, 2014)

I love humor and I look for it in almost everything. I enjoy
the heck outta quirky characters too since I'm pretty sure
that I happen to be one! LOL!
(Lisa Dalesandro 9:51pm June 30, 2014)

Really like the catchy titles for your books.
(Karen Blossom 9:56pm June 30, 2014)

Thanks for the giveaway! I love when there is humor in cozy mysteries. Really helps you to get to know the characters personalities too.
(Mary Vehlies 10:16pm June 30, 2014)

I like humor in books. I love when I read a book and it makes me laugh.
(Cynthia Cook 10:53pm June 30, 2014)

Wow, Congrats on your new books: MUFFIN BUT MURDER and TEMPEST
IN A TEAPOT. Yes, I like humor in mysteries and I do enjoy the
characterizations too. Both of your books sound like fantastic
books and I would love to win and read them in 2014. Thank You
very much. I love your book covers too! Thanks, Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 11:32pm June 30, 2014)

I like books that can make me laugh. The characters are a
big part of that and the ability to be realistic while still
telling a story is not an easy thing to do. I do enjoy your
books and find that it is like dealing with an extended part
of the family that unless you know them well it is hard to
figure them out and how to take them. When you do you
realize that what they are doing is normal for them and just
laughable to you.
(Tina Ullrich 1:02am July 1, 2014)

Humor is a very difficult thing. I enjoy it in books but
would not dare to venture an explanation of how far to go with
humor.
(G. Bisbjerg 1:15am July 1, 2014)

Thanks all for commenting, and I think I've found a couple of
new humorous series to try! Good luck to all who entered!
(Victoria Hamilton 8:08am July 1, 2014)

Looks like another great cozy mystery. Can't wait to read them.
(Kiki Winn 8:49am July 1, 2014)

I've not read any of your books but I love romances and
mysteries with humor. As long as the humor isn't extremely
vulgar, I'm in. Thanks for your giveaway!
(Linda Townsend 9:56am July 1, 2014)

I am new to this type of book, but I absolutely love mysteries
and reading books that make me laugh so this seems like the
perfect read for me.
(Robin Driscoll 10:02am July 1, 2014)

I like to read funny mysteries as so many books have gratuitous sex scenes taht are unnecessary.
(Maria Pucko 10:45am July 1, 2014)

I love light and happy reads. It makes the time seem brighter.
(Vennie Martinisi 12:04pm July 1, 2014)

i don't read these books,love giving as gifts to relations
though if i win.
(Kent Cook 12:26pm July 1, 2014)

Mystery is my favorite genre. So far Gemma Halliday is my
favorite but I am always up for new authors and have not read
yours yet and would love to. I like mysteries centered around
a place book shop, bakery, quilt shop so you can get involved
in the characters and their daily lives.
(Denise Austin 1:00pm July 1, 2014)

I don't need humor so much as I need characters that don't sound like
every other one I've read about before.
(Ronna Lord 3:52pm July 1, 2014)

I do like quirky characters. My taste in humor can depend on
the day and love mysteries with a bit of humor in them.
(Leslie Davis 7:58pm July 1, 2014)

I love humor in a cozy. I also like romance triangles in them too. What I
don't really like is when they make the police into such bumbling idiots that
a complete novice investigator figures out the crime completely on her own
whole they're "stumped", and I hate it when authors turn a cozy into an
episode of Scooby-Doo.
(Debbie Burdeen 10:05pm July 1, 2014)

Great Contest, looking forward to reading your book.
(Sheila True 10:15pm July 1, 2014)

I don't know that I've read any cozy series that I knew to be
dubbed as "humorous". A scene from Lorna Barrett's Booktown
series comes to mind though that had me in stitches. The scene
involved our dear Tricia trying to bake. It was quite fun!
Thanks for the chance to win!
(Kristin Aamodt 4:55pm July 3, 2014)

I love cozies and have enjoyed Joan Hess's books. I look forward to reading Victoria Hamilton's Merry Muffin Murder series.
(Nancy L Gessner 10:25pm July 5, 2014)

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