Writing Prompts: Cozy Mysteries

Another one of my favorite genres is cozy mysteries. They’re great for a low-key read on an airplane or road trip or before turning out the light at night. But writing them can be a little tedious and challenging, because, well, let’s be honest: there are only so many kinds of mysteries to solve.

But having fun packaging for said mystery makes all the difference. Here are a few unique cozy mystery writing prompts I’d like to offer to help break through that writer’s block brick wall.

1. A cat prowling around a murder victim’s house knocks over an urn while the police detective investigates. But instead of ashes, an ancient Egyptian necklace falls out.
2. Setting: Small village in Iceland. Murder victim: local tour guide. Single clue left at murder scene: a hunk of rare Italian cheese. Whodunnit?
3. Florida Man wins the lottery and finally goes on the vacation to Colorado Springs he’s always dreamed of. Out on the hiking trail, he discovers something in the knapsack he picked up from a local thrift shop. Before he can do anything about it, he keels over dead.
4. The murder weapon: a stone globe. The victim: a veterinarian in New York City. The murderer: the owner of a small, yellow bird. Why’d they do it?

Note: This article is adapted from the author’s personal blog at ritajpike.com.

Looking for more writing inspiration? Check out these other offerings from the MockingOwls.

• Action/Adventure Writing Prompts
• Fantasy Writing Prompts
• General Fiction Writing Prompt
• Paranormal Writing Prompt
• Science Fiction Writing Prompt
• Romance Writing Prompts
• Writing Prompts for Pushing Through
• Writing Exercises to Try When You Get Stuck

Rita Mock-Pike

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Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.

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