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Bookstores and Libraries:No, nobody is living in the bookstore. (Oh. Wait.) But some of these locales are the primary backdrop for the cozy mystery novel’s action. They’re a natural fit for mystery lovers, featuring protagonists who are booksellers or librarians, and have become a staple of the genre.

Bakeries, Cafés, and Coffee Houses:Food-themed cozies remain super popular, with bakeries and cafés serving as the epicenter for community gossip and, consequently, mystery solving.

Bed and Breakfasts:The idea of a B&B in a lovely setting is appealing. It’s a frequently used locale where the proprietors often find themselves embroiled in solving crimes among their guests.

Craft and Antique Shops:These settings lend themselves to stories involving hidden treasures and historical mysteries but have become common scenes for cozy mysteries. I still dream about Rogue’s Gallery in Innisdale.

Small New England—okay, Small Anywhere-in-America Towns:Similar to the English village but set in the US, these towns are often characterized by their celebrations, historical landmarks, and local businesses, and are a go-to setting for many series. Amish towns are especially popular (for reasons that escape me).

Historic Mansions or Estates:Settings that include family secrets, hidden rooms, and a touch of the aristocratic have been well-trodden paths in the cozy mystery landscape. I love these so much, but yeah, obviously frequently used.

Gardens and Greenhouses:Twenty years ago, mysteries that involved botany or gardening offered a unique twist. Now, the setting of a garden, greenhouse, or even a flower shop is much more common.

Picturesque European Locations:From the vineyards of France to the canals of Venice, these idyllic European settings are appealing but are often chosen for cozy mystery series looking for an exotic touch.

While these locales are popular for good reasons, offering built-in charm, community, and intrigue, there’s a wide world of underexplored settings that could provide fresh and exciting backdrops for cozy mysteries. Exploring less conventional locales could be a great way to stand out in the genre.

The challenge of getting more inventive and original is that in order to run a series, you have to set your series in a locale that could believably be home to a LOT of murder. If it was hard to believe in Cabot Cove, it’s going to be even harder to believe at a space station. HOWEVER…

Venturing into underexplored settings can breathe new life into cozy mysteries, offering fresh and captivating backdrops for your storytelling. Here are some less conventional locales that could provide intriguing settings for cozy mysteries:

A Theater Production Company:The actual venue or physical location might change but the central cast of characters would be largely the same.

A Tour Bus:This cast of victims and suspects would change, of course, but our sleuths could be the regular tour bus staff—a young, quirky crew reveling in their chance to see the world for “free.” Too bad about all those murderous tourists!

Scientific Research Stations:Imagine a mystery set in an Antarctic research station or a remote observatory. The isolation and unique challenges of these locales add an interesting layer to solving mysteries. (I know. I hate science, too.)

A Hotel, Hunting Lodge, Expedition, or Safari:Heck, a camping trip in a remote location. The challenge here, as with the tour bus, is that rarely is a cozy mystery a standalone, so you do have to deal with a constantly revolving cast of characters. But it works forThe White Lotus(which is not a cozy mystery, by the way).

Boarding Schools or Universities:While not entirely untouched, the academic intrigue of boarding schools or universities outside the typical English setting—think different countries or unusual disciplines—can offer a rich tapestry for mysteries. A finishing school, art school, chef school, etc.

Public Markets and Bazaars:Setting a cozy mystery in a bustling market or bazaar, with its array of stalls, merchants, and diverse goods, could provide a colorful and dynamic setting ripe for intrigue and hidden secrets.

Any Place Snowed in or Under Quarantine:THIS COULD WORK FOR A SHORT RUN.

A Reality Show Location:Again, our regular cast and crew would be our sleuths, and the victims would come from the rotating contestants.

Magic Shops, Witch Shops, or Magic Castle-esque Locations:Whether your sleuth is mortal or has supernatural attributes, these can all work.

Classic Cruise Ship, Luxury Train, or River Cruise Ship:While trains and cruise ships have a classic association with mysteries, modern takes or less-explored routes (such as luxury river cruises in exotic locations) can offer new twists.

Theme Parks or Carnivals:As mentioned above, the magic and mystery of theme parks or traveling carnivals provide a backdrop full of potential for hidden agendas, long-held secrets, and intricate puzzles. CREEPY CLOWNS. Enough said.

Historical Reenactment Sites:A small variation on historic venues, a mystery set against the backdrop of a historical reenactment, whether it’s a Renaissance fair or a Civil War battlefield, combines historical intrigue with the passion of those who bring history to life.

Eco-Communities or Off-the-Grid Locations:Settings that explore sustainable living or off-the-grid communities can introduce unique lifestyles and philosophies, alongside mysteries that challenge conventional thinking.

Archaeological Digs:Agatha Christie got a lot of mileage out of archeological digs. A cozy mystery set on an archaeological site could unearth ancient secrets alongside the more immediate mystery, blending history with suspense. And, very often, archeological teams work a site for years.

Space Stations or Colonies:For a futuristic twist, setting a cozy mystery in space, whether on a space station or a colony on another planet, can explore the confines of a close-knit community in the vastness of space.

Virtual Realities:As technology advances, mysteries set in virtual reality worlds could explore themes of identity, reality, and the digital footprint, offering a modern take on the genre. Maybe a little too on the nose these days? You decide.

These settings not only provide a theoretically unique backdrop for your mystery but also allow for exploration of different cultures, technologies, and lifestyles, adding depth and variety to the cozy mystery genre.

Each setting offers its own set of rules, community dynamics, and secrets, making for an engaging and fresh narrative experience.

That said, some of the most unique settings listed above would also be the most difficult to use in a long-running series. When choosing your cozy mystery setting, the main things to consider are: