So many mystery writers do a great job of adding a little romance into their stories. As came up in one of the panels I was on at the Virginia Festival of the Book, readers love those relationships. I like them, too. In the my next book, SCRAPBOOK OF SHADOWS, there are some surprising new romances. But if you are looking for that kind of romance in a mystery, you should definitely steer clear of my first book, SCRAPBOOK OF SECRETS. Most of the women in my book are married and more of the focus is on the women and the relationships between them, rather than their marriages, although that does sneak in from time to time.
It’s that “sneaking” that has gone over a particular reviewer’s head. (And while I don’t respond to most negative reviews, I felt that I should address this issue.) This reviewer said my book wasn’t a cozy mystery because there was no romance. A lot of cozies DO have romances, but if it’s a prerequisite, it has completely escaped my study of the genre—as well as my editor’s. That said, there IS a little bit of romance in my book. It just happens to be between married people. Imagine that.
Annie and Mike Chamovitz have obstacles to overcome in their relationship because they have money problems and they have two toddler boys. Parenting can wreak havoc on relationships. Annie and Mike find time for each other—even after their evening is interrupted by a child who needs to be rocked to sleep, for example. Mike is still waiting for Annie in their bed when she returns, tired, but still wanting her husband.
This is the real stuff.
It’s also in the memories they’ve built as a couple, the way he told her when they dated: “We are about so much more than sex.”
It’s also in the way he not only ignites her body, but also her mind, making her want to be more.
It’s also about the way she pours herself into making his favorite spaghetti sauce, preening over it just to make sure it’s good enough for the man she loves.
It’s also about the way in which he calms her when she almost loses her temper with the boys and tells her that she should get out of the house by herself.
And the way he manages his work schedule so that she can work on her articles.
But it’s also about the little bumps that they have in their marriage. She has agreed to stay at home with the boys and give up her journalism. Yet, she finds herself pulled back in. Mike grapples with this, tries to support her, yet isn’t happy about it.
They find their way in the muddle of their lives—standing beside one another through the money struggles and the daily weariness.
Once again, this is real stuff. This is what the years of dating, hearts and flowers, and passionate embraces gets you. This is what we all want. This is a real happy ever after. Even with the messes and joys of parenthood, the struggle to find time as a couple, and the wondering if bills will get paid, there is love and yes, a bit of romance.
So while when it comes to reading, I will agree that some things are in the eye of the beholder, but this one thing is not. Look again. Readjust your glasses. You will find not only romance, but also love.
Dear Mollie: I was just at a Barnes & Noble in CA to pick up some YA titles for some high schoolers. While wandering in the mystery section I saw “Scrapbook of Secrets.” I was happy to see that it was the first in a series. I finished it in a day and loved it. Now I am anxious to read the next book. I have been scrapbooking since 1995 so I enjoyed that theme of the book too.
Great writing.
Elisse Stuart
Thanks so much for dropping me a note. So glad you enjoyed the book. Cheers!
Well…maybe the story, the characters and the writing go a little beyond “cozy”. It is just a thought. I guess my point is that I found many of them to be strong, intelligent women who have the confidence to do what makes them happy. Some people just don’t like strong women. I would love to be friends with some of these characters. I really like strong women who are loyal to each other, who encourage each other, who really LIKE each other and I love reading about them!
Finding this book was such a gift! I have been sick and I was just beginning to feel a little bit better when I purchased Scrapbook of Secrets for my Kindle. Reading this good book, centered around scrapping was the next best thing to doing what I didn’t have the energy to do. There is nothing wrong with cozy. I did find myself curled up with this book and that is pretty cozy .
Thanks, Kathy! I’m so glad you liked the book. And I’m really glad to know that you are feeling better and I hope you continue to feel better. Take care.