10 Writing Prompts for Cozy Mystery Lovers

Originally, this post was going to be 10 writing prompts for authors, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought it would be fun for readers, too!

Because, how many readers have thought – gosh, I’d love to write a book!

So, here are 10 writing prompts in the cozy mystery arena for authors and readers alike.

Enjoy!

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Things to keep in mind

What do you love most about cozy mysteries? Is it the small-town feel, the (often) female sleuth who never meant to be a sleuth, the cat or other animal who helps solve the crime? All of those things draw cozy readers. Feel free to incorporate what you love into these prompts and let them lead you where they will!

Writing prompts for cozy mysteries

1. The Antique Store Mystery – Imagine a quaint antique store in a picturesque village where the owner discovers a hidden compartment in an ancient roll-top desk containing clues to a decades-old unsolved crime. What secrets does the antique hold, and who will unravel them?

2. Baking Competition Gone Wrong: During a small-town baking competition, the judge collapses after tasting a cupcake. As people rally to figure out what went wrong, the baker’s best friend takes it upon herself to uncover the truth, revealing long-buried rivalries.

3. The Bakeshop Sleuth – In a bustling bakery known for its delectable pastries, the head baker stumbles upon a cryptic note tucked inside a flour sack. The note hints at foul play surrounding the recent disappearance of a local celebrity chef. Can the baker-turned-sleuth solve the mystery before the next batch of cupcakes is frosted?

4. The Book Club Whodunit -Tensions rise when one member of a cozy mystery book club is found mysteriously poisoned during their latest meeting. As the amateur detectives among them delve into each other’s pasts, they uncover buried secrets and unexpected alliances.

5. Holiday Festival: During the town’s annual holiday festival, the mayor is found dead in a gingerbread house. The local café owner teams up with her childhood friend, a detective, to uncover a sweet (but deadly) plot.

More writing prompts

6. The Bed and Breakfast—Guests arrive at a quaint BnB for a weekend getaway only to find themselves entangled in a murder mystery. With stormy weather trapping everyone indoors, suspicions mount, and secrets unravel. Can the innkeeper and her guests piece together the puzzle before the tide turns?

7. The Haunted Manor Puzzle – A dilapidated manor rumored to be haunted becomes the backdrop for a family reunion. When an unexpected guest is found dead under eerie circumstances, old family secrets resurface. Amidst creaky floorboards and flickering candlelight, can the amateur sleuth uncover the truth behind the ghostly apparitions?

8. Murder at the Farmers’ Market: A beloved local farmer is found dead amidst the fresh produce. As the market coordinator investigates, she uncovers a secret market rivalry and a world of farm scandals.

9. The Quilting Circle Clue – In a quaint quilting shop known for its intricate designs and cozy atmosphere, a rare vintage quilt is stolen. As the town’s quilting circle stitches together clues from scraps of fabric and sewing needles, they uncover a web of betrayal and long-buried rivalries.

10. The Pet Parade Perplexity – During the annual pet parade, a beloved pet owner is accused of stealing a rare exotic bird. As residents and their furry companions unite to solve the mystery, paw prints, and feather trails lead to unexpected revelations and a surprising culprit. (Reminds me a bit of my book, Birds Alive!)

Over to you!

These writing prompts are designed to spark your imagination and inspire new cozy mystery stories! I’d love to know which one(s) you picked and how you enjoyed it. Comment below and let me know!

**This October, I’m diving deep into the world of cozy mysteries! Check out my other cozy posts:

• What is a Cozy Mystery
• Why Cozy Mysteries are Perfect for Fall Reading
• Exploring Cozy Mystery Themes: Diving Into Comfortable Crime
• 10 Must-Read Cozy Mystery Series

Read Crafting a Writer’s Mood Board and then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery, Birds Alive!, released Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)