Guest Post: RESILIENCE AND THE AMATEUR DETECTIVE by Peggy Rothschild

Please welcome Peggy Rothschild to the blog today. Her new book is scheduled to come out on February 22^nd.

 

RESILIENCE AND THE AMATEUR DETECTIVE

by Peggy Rothschild

 

In amateur sleuth mysteries, it is not uncommon for the protagonist—or someone they care about—to be accused of a crime. In order to clear their name or prove a loved one’s innocence, they start investigating on their own. This trope has been a staple of the mystery genre since its beginning. Even Wilkie Collins’ THE MOONSTONE has this element with Franklin Blake investigating the theft of the famous diamond in hopes of clearing his name. This idea has been used in cozies to great effect—forcing the main character outside their comfort zone to face new challenges and grow.

Like the callouses that develop from going barefoot over the course of a summer, resilience isn’t something these characters get because it’s needed in the moment. While some of them start their stories with a wealth of resilience, others grow tougher as their adventure progresses.

In Mia P. Manansala’s Agatha and Lefty-nominated debut, ARSENIC AND ADOBO, Lila Macapagal moves home after an ugly breakup and tries to save her Tita Rosie’s restaurant. Enter her ex, a spiteful restaurant critic. When he drops dead after a confrontation with Lila, she becomes a prime suspect. To stave off arrest, Lila begins investigating the crime.

In the Lefty-nominated humorous cozy, MIMI LEE GETS A CLUE, Jennifer J. Chow introduces intrepid pet groomer, Mimi Lee and her cat, Marshmallow. When a local breeder is murdered, Mimi winds up at the top of the suspect list. With the help of Marshmallow, Mimi Lee hunts for clues, facing dangers she never imagined—or ever imagined she’d have the courage to face.

DEATH BY DUMPLING is another wonderful restaurant-themed cozy. Written by Vivian Chen, the mystery features Lana Lee. Lana has quit her job and is waiting tables at the family restaurant to pay her bills. When the restaurant’s property manager dies from a severe allergic reaction to his meal, the entire staff comes under suspicion—since they all knew about his deadly food allergy. To protect her family and co-workers, Lana searches for the truth—and also finds her footing in life.

All of these characters show their resilience as they face new challenges and track down the guilty party. It’s not about what knocks or wears them down—it’s about how they get back up again. And sometimes they get up only to fall again; it’s all part of the journey.

In my new mystery, A DEADLY BONE TO PICK, after losing her husband, career and reputation, Molly Madison makes a fresh start in Pier Point, California. As she settles in, the last thing she expects is to become a murder suspect. For the second time. With the help of two loveable dogs, she digs to find out who is really responsible for the crime. And, along the way, makes new friends and develops a sense of belonging in her new community.As Molly faces suspicious cops and tracks a killer, she grows tougher and more resilient with every step—just like those summer callouses.

I aim to be like Molly.

 

 

Peggy Rothschild ©2022

 

After losing their home during a California wildfire, Peggy Rothschild and her husband moved to the beach community of Los Osos along the central coast. Peggy’s had short stories published in The Best Laid Plans, Heartbreaks and Half-Truths, and Avenging Angelenos anthologies. She also illustrated the children’s book Angie’s Great Big Beautiful Life: Tales of a Rescue Cat.

Peggy is a member of Sisters in Crime. When not at her desk or out walking, you can usually find her in the garden. A DEADLY BONE TO PICK is her first cozy mystery.