This is a shout-out to all my cozy mystery lovers out there. If you read cozy mysteries, or are curious about the genre, why not join the Kensington Cozy Club? Kensington is a publisher who had the creative idea to reward people for reading (for reading cozies, that is!). The rules are so simple. Every time you read a cozy mystery (does not have to be a Kensington cozy), you get your special Kensington Cozy Card stamped by a librarian. Once you have an entire punch-card filled (ten books) mail it back to Kensington and they will send you a free Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) of a new, upcoming title!
FAQs:
How do I play?
You read! Every time you read a cozy mystery, bring your Cozy Card (see picture above) to the Ask Us desk and we’ll stamp your card.
Where do I get a Cozy Card?
Stop by the Ask Us desk and ask the librarian for a Cozy Card (While supplies last)
How often/how long can I play?
The program runs until December 31, 2021. In terms of how often, you can keep filling out cards as many as you want (although, the maximum that Kensington will accept from one person is 10 cards).
Will the library mail the completed cards for me?
No. We are not able to mail completed cards (Sorry!) But, here is the address you’d mail it to:
Kensington Publishing Corp.
C/O Larissa Ackerman
119 W 40th St, Fl 21
New York, NY 10018
It’s also included on the card, in case you forget!
What is a Cozy Mystery? How is it different from other mysteries?
Cozy mysteries are mysteries that are generally a bit softer and more light-hearted in tone and content. These are stories that don’t rely too heavily on graphic details (while they do contain murder, they are not graphic or violent), and feature an amateur sleuth. Still not sure if the book in your hands is a cozy? Take a look at this list below. If you book fits most of the points here, then chances are, you have a cozy!
- The detective is not a detective, but a baker, yarn shop owner, wedding planner, or pet
- The title is either something sweet or punny, like “Banana Cream Pie Murder” or “Paws for Alarm”
- There are no graphic depictions of what happened to the victim
- The main character is likeable and you want to keep reading about them
- While the “detective” is not a professional crime solver/ detective/ PI/ police officer, they know someone (friend, neighbor, spouse) who is
- The police don’t take your character seriously, for whatever reason.
- The tone is generally light-hearted and might even be funny!
Happy Reading!
