A month ago I featured Lisa Diane, owner of The Sophisticated Palate, who created Biscottini Bites for people and Bark-otinni Bites for dogs, along with her many other creative and delicious endeavors.
As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Lisa’s mom, Diana Savastano, writes cozy mysteries like her latest, A Party Without Cake is Murder, a Sibling Cookery Mystery.
For those who don’t know, cozy mysteries are those that are fun and non-traumatic, rather than hair-raising.
Dawn Ius's article, Trend Report: The State of Cozy Mysteries on The Big Thrill: The Magazine of the International Thriller Writers, further explains two important elements of a cozy. The first is that the story's relaxed location plays a big role — a beach community, a mountain resort, a small town. The second is that the main sleuth is not a police officer, but instead, an amateur whose excellence at some normal job — a baker, hotel manager, photographer, etc. — allows her to solve the crime.
In fact, the sheer variety of hobby and career customization within the genre is mind-boggling. Multiple series take aim at gardeners, fashion designers, crafters, librarians, and a full complement of retailers. There are books about dog walkers and beekeepers, and yes, there are talking cats. And one can’t forget the hundreds of sleuths who own tea houses or bakeries—cupcakes, candy makers, and pastries, oh my!
Regarding Diana Savastano, she was born in Manhattan and raised just outside the city. When only in her teens, she began Friends and Family Magazine, a publication that included recipes related to her Italian-American heritage. After getting a journalism degree, she became a reporter and columnist before dedicating her time to novels. She offers a host of writing services and also has a children’s book series based on a mouse named Marcello.
Over 100 years ago, Agatha Christie paved the way for Savastano and today's other cozy writers. Agatha wrote 66 detective novels, 14 short story collections, several plays and is famous for such well-loved characters as Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. I love Agatha’s books, especially And Then There Were None.
Are you a fan of cozies?
If you are, check out The Cozy Mystery List Blog.
___
For updates about Martha’s books, news and giveaways, check out her website.
Comments