Christian Cozy Mystery Novels: Guide With Downloadable Character Lists Released

Betty Johansen’s recently released guide highlights the shared features of her favorite Christian whodunits, all of which are “cozy mysteries” – a genre known for eschewing explicit language and gratuitous violence, in contrast to many popular mystery novels available today.

The full guide can be found on Johansen’s blog, Eagerly Waiting, at: https://bettyjohansen.com/2023/08/02/christian-mysteries-why-i-love-them/

In her guide, Johansen includes links to character lists and reviews of Tamar Myers’ “Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery Series,” Terri Blackstock’s “Cape Refuge Series,” and Vannetta Chapman’s “Amish Village Mystery Series,” among others. She also explains why she values cozy Christian mysteries, aiming to expand the audience for these wholesome tales.

Like all mystery novels, Christian whodunits fulfill readers’ curiosity to uncover secrets and solve puzzles alongside the story’s detective. However, Johansen notes, Christian mysteries offer a satisfying sense of justice often missing in mainstream mysteries, as villains and heroes alike get their just desserts.

Johansen appreciates that, while the secrets in Christian mysteries are just as intriguing as those in mainstream whodunits, they spare the reader the grisly details often found in the latter category. The characters are still relatable and entertaining, without uttering the obscenities common in many mainstream mysteries. For these reasons, Johansen considers Christian mysteries more respectable than those in the mainstream.

Moreover, Johansen writes, true Christian fiction honors all stages of life and recognizes physical intimacy as a sacred part of marriage. Characters are depicted with deep faith, praying and living by biblical principles, and such stories’ moral order reflects God’s vision of right and wrong.

Betty Johansen has long enjoyed cozy mysteries, but when she noticed a lack of specifically Christian novels in the sub-genre, she decided to write her own. To date, she has published four Christian mysteries, the most recent of which are Hawaiian Wildflower and Lilli’s Song.

“Christian mysteries are fun. They’re entertaining and enigmatic. But they’re not fluff,” Johansen writes. “A Christian mystery writer doesn’t have to preach to show how the characters lean into their God to deepen their faith and work through their difficulties. As the readers live through the process with the fictional characters, they have the opportunity to learn and grow, too.”

Interested parties can learn more at: https://bettyjohansen.com/2023/08/02/christian-mysteries-why-i-love-them/

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