Author Spotlight: Tanzy Kohl

Tanzy Kohl is the author of the Wigmaker Mysteries, a cozy mystery series with amateur sleuth Dee Alexander, a wigmaker and wig reviewer who leaves Washington, DC, for small-town North Carolina to start life over after abandoning TV news and a failed marriage.

Cozy Crime Reads Interview with Tanzy Kohl

What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?

I have always liked detective-type shows (Murder She Wrote, Columbo) so the chance to create my own was very appealing. I also noticed there were very few set in the world of hair, and none about wigs, so I thought it would be perfect.

What are a few of the essential elements that make a cozy stand out to you as a reader?

I like the relationship dynamics the most. The mystery is important but I want to see the characters living their real lives while in the midst of the hunt for suspects.

Do you have a favorite amateur sleuth?

Yes, Miss Marple; I loved Dame Margaret Rutherford the best as the character on British TV.

What inspired your first cozy mystery?

I had been writing historical fiction for a few years but wanted to try something new, and since I have been also reviewing wigs on YouTube since 2018 (and had gotten pretty good at it) a fellow writer friend said, “You ought to write a cozy mystery about wigs!”

How do you research and create the "cozy" elements in your books, like the settings and community?

It’s really not as much research as historical fiction. I use places that are local to my community, but if I do, I change the names. Or I create fictitious ones. But when it comes to things like forensics, I have to ensure that the information is correct, so I look that up. The wig-related elements I already know and it’s fun incorporating those into the crime scene.

What is one key step in your writing process that helps you transform an idea into a finished book?

I am a serious plotter, which means I plan, outline and maneuver things before I sit down to write. I have to know where the story is going; but once I do, I can write it pretty quickly. In fact, I spend more time planning than I do writing. For instance, I interview my characters so that I can give them quirks and a personality.

What advice would you give aspiring cozy mystery authors who want to start writing their first novel?

Learn the genre. Read other cozy authors, You may even want to hire a development editor to ensure you’re doing it right. I hired Korina Moss of the Cheese Shop Mysteries to edit my books, and her insight has been invaluable.

How can readers connect with you online?

I am @tanzykohl on all socials and tanzykohl.com

Tanzy Kohl’s Cozy Mystery Books

Use the arrows on either side of the book image shown below to see books in Tanzy Kohl’s Wigmaker Mystery Series. Click on the image to see a book description, excerpt, and reviews on Amazon.