A mystery editor works on a variety of mysteries.
As a mystery editor (and a reader), I’ve enjoyed all kinds of crime fiction and mystery novels. We can break them down as:
- Standard Private Eye (more psychology and less action)
- Hard-boiled Private Eye (realistic fiction)
- Classic Detective
- Police Procedurals
- Paranormal/urban fantasy (think vampire and other-worldly crime)
- Thrillers
- Spy/Espionage
- Suspense
- Golden Age (late-nineteenth century to the end of World War II)
- Cozy Mysteries
This last mention — cozy mysteries — is detailed below.
Mystery Editor Project — Cozy Murder
According to TV Tropes, cozy mysteries are generally “gentle” books, with no graphic violence, profanity or explicit sex. Most often, the crime takes place off stage and death is usually very quick (usually by poisoning or being pushed out of a window).
Indeed, Peppermint Mocha Murder meets the cozy murder mystery standard as a “clean” read without gratuitous sex, violence or language. The book cover above was exquisitely designed and appeals to the taste of cozy murder mystery fans. I enjoyed editing it because the characters came alive, the banter hooked me, and I didn’t peg the murderer until the big reveal.
In short, the author did a great job rolling out the plot, setting, characterization and dialogue … but an extra “treat” is the recipes tucked inside. The Amazon description states:
Molly Brewster’s new café bookshop is the go-to spot for strong coffee, flaky pastries, and juicy gossip. But everything changes when the tide washes a dead body up on shore… practically on the shop’s doorstep. As a newcomer to the tight knit South Florida village, the local sheriff pegs Molly as the prime suspect.
Determined to track down the real killer to clear her name, Molly enlists the help of her loyal chocolate lab, her cantankerous Granny Dee, and the handsome Officer Lucky. With Holly Fest just days away, she must rely on her wits and her fiery spirit to crack the case. Molly’s holiday season is about to go from hectic to downright dangerous…
Peppermint Mocha Murder is the lighthearted first book in the Holidays Are Murder series, a set of cozy mysteries. If you like mouthwatering recipes, charming island villages, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love Agatha Lane’s delectable whodunnit.