In literature, the term “cosy” traditionally refers to mysteries and romances that are free of explicit language, violence, and sexual content. These stories typically focus on character development, feature charming settings, and involve lower stakes.
During the fall and winter seasons, cosy books like Joss Richard’s “It’s Different This Time” and Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club” have been prominently displayed in bookstores. These cosy narratives are marketed as perfect reads for the colder months and have gained popularity in recent times.
While cosy mysteries and romances are well-established genres, the term “cosy” is now being used to describe a variety of other genres such as cosy fantasy, exemplified by Travis Baldree’s “Legends and Lattes,” and even cosy horror, as seen in Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s “The Bewitching.”
In “Legends and Lattes,” an orc creature opens a coffee shop instead of engaging in battles, while “The Bewitching” follows three generations of women facing witchcraft in serene locations like a New England college town and the Mexican countryside.
The expansion of “cosy” into different genres has been welcomed by CBC Books producer Lucy Mann, who appreciates the genre’s appeal for escapism and comfort. She believes that reading cosy books provides a sense of warmth and escape akin to a comforting embrace.
Despite the seemingly contradictory nature of finding comfort in murder mysteries, some readers find solace in the atmosphere, tone, and settings of such books. Vancouver author Iona Whishaw humorously pointed out that anything can feel cosy as long as you’re not the one being murdered.
Iona Whishaw, known for her Lane Winslow Mystery series, views cosy books as a spectrum ranging from light, character-driven stories set in small towns to more literary, atmospheric crime novels. Her own novels strike a balance by addressing crime and challenging topics with a compassionate approach, while maintaining a light-hearted tone and endearing characters.
The surge in interest in cosy books is evident in Indigo’s sales data, with a significant increase in both in-store purchases and online searches for cosy-themed books. Rachel Law from Indigo noted that the cosy book trend initially gained traction with Japanese and Korean cosy fiction before expanding to other genres like romance, mystery, and fantasy.
The categorization of what constitutes a cosy book can be subjective, sparking debates among industry professionals. Some books labeled as cosy deviate from traditional norms, like Laurie Gilmore’s “Pumpkin Spice Café,” which includes intimate scenes alongside its character-driven narrative.
Ultimately, cosy books offer a reprieve from the overwhelming news cycle and highlight the positivity in the world. Rachel Law believes that delving into cosy narratives allows readers to reconnect with the notion that people are striving to do good in their own ways, even in challenging times.
The enduring popularity of cosy books, especially during turbulent times, underscores their role in providing comfort and solace to readers seeking a respite from the chaos of the world outside the pages.