Clean, Cozy Christian Whodunits: Book Guide Offers Downloadable Character Lists

A new flavor of brain candy

You love the brain candy that good whodunits provide, but you could do without the swearing, gore, and pornography of mainstream mysteries. Then why not try a Christian cozy mystery? You don’t have to be a believer to enjoy these stories. They offer everything you love about mysteries - intrigue, compelling narratives, emotional connection - but in a package that’s easier to stomach and more respectful of readers' sensibilities. Christian mystery writer Betty Johansen has a detailed reader's guide to some of the best faith-based cozy mysteries - you could find a new favorite!

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

What's in the guide?

Johansen’s guide highlights the shared features of her recommended Christian whodunits, all of which avoid the explicit language and gratuitous violence found in many of today's popular mystery novels.

In her guide, Johansen includes reviews of Tamar Myers’ “Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery Series,” Terri Blackstock’s “Cape Refuge Series,” and Vannetta Chapman’s “Amish Village Mystery Series,” and other cozy Christian mysteries.

Free downloadable character lists

If, like Johansen, you find it difficult to keep track of characters in mystery novels, her downloadable character lists will help you better understand the plot. Just follow the guide's hyperlinks to the book reviews, and you'll be able to download and print out the character lists to have handy as you read.

A deeper sense of satisfaction

Johansen's guide also explains why she values the Christian cozy mystery sub-genre. Like all mystery novels, a Christian whodunit will fulfill your curiosity to uncover secrets and solve puzzles alongside the story’s detective. However, Johansen notes, Christian mysteries also offer you a satisfying sense of justice that's often missing in mainstream mysteries, as villains and heroes alike get their just desserts.

Respect for the reader

Johansen appreciates that, while the secrets in Christian mysteries are just as intriguing as those in mainstream whodunits, they spare you the grisly details often found in the latter. 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 mainstream ones.

Acknowledging God's order

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 the moral order of such stories reflects God's vision of right and wrong.

More about Betty Johansen

Author Betty Johansen is a resident of West Texas and a former science teacher who writes cozy Christian mysteries that reflect her faith and values. As such, her stories are free of profanity, explicit content, and violence, aiming to entertain and inspire readers. 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.”

Your next favorite whodunit awaits!

Let Christian mystery writer Betty Johansen guide you to your next favorite thriller! Her report will help you choose a good (compelling and clean) faith-based mystery that will tease your brain while nourishing your heart and uplifting your spirit!

Read Betty Johansen's guide to Christian cozy mystery novels at: https://bettyjohansen.com/2023/08/02/christian-mysteries-why-i-love-them/

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