‘The Only Constant in Life is Change’ by Leslie Scase.

So said the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. Whether or not he had also been notified by his publisher that there was no budget to market his recently published novel is unknown. But that’s where I found myself last year. 

So, what to do next? Obviously, the long process of what Gwyneth Paltrow would describe as “decoupling” from my publisher and negotiating a return of publishing rights would keep me occupied for some time, but what about actual writing? Time for change?

 All of my novels had, to date, been historical crime fiction. I have long been a reader of historical fiction which had influenced my choice of genre, but I also enjoy a relaxing contemporary cosy crime read. I’d never tried my hand at writing it, but how hard could it be? 

Actually, there was a lot more to consider than I first thought. Let’s take a look at just a few things I came across. Do note however that these are my personal views and not everyone will agree. Let’s begin though with the easy bits, the constants. 

The tense used will be whatever suits the writer. I much prefer reading and writing novels written in the third person, despite the fact that writing in the first person is easier (in my opinion). 

Motives for murder aren’t going to change, -money, love, lust, power etc remain constant.  

Whether you are a planner or a “pantser” as a writer isn’t going to change. I definitely prefer to plan out my storylines, but I will amend the plan as I progress. Here though, we do come to a slight difference. In an historical novel a change of direction can lead you into areas that may tie you into avenues of extra research which you hadn’t anticipated. I don’t feel that there’s quite that risk with a contemporary cosy crime novel.

That’s not to say that there aren’t any areas of research which need to be delved into. Because clearly there are. In fact, too many to list fully, but the obvious ones include forensics, modern firearms, narcotics, police procedures, to name but a few. Having friends to call upon to get “inside advice” on some of these (thanks Matt Johnson) is
invaluable.

But where do the difficulties lie? Some real differences between historical crime fiction and contemporary cosy crime? Here are three examples: -

Anachronisms

Readers of historical fiction want authenticity. Not just the obvious no-no’s of ancient Romans eating tomatoes, but you can be picked up on getting the brand name of an alcoholic beverage being a few years too early (yes, it happened). So, a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the era is highly desirable. However, do tread carefully when entering the world of contemporary fiction. Because there are equivalent traps there. What you might describe as being a highly desirable phone stolen from a victim might be obsolete by the time the book is published. The tech world changes so fast that you could be left with egg on your face. Even with language, don’t go anywhere near “youth speak”. Your peng heroine will soon become leng (speak to anyone under 25 for an
explanation). 

Writing Style

Cosy Crime is not a place to explore the human condition with the central character fighting inner demons. Nor is it the place to wax lyrical about the scenery and the wonders of nature. It’s not that cosy crime writers can’t do this, the point is that it isn’t required. The pace has to be a tad quicker than other forms, giving an entertaining and relaxing read. There is a fine balance to be struck to find the right blend of depth and detail. I found the switch of style to be challenging.

Tropes

Without doubt, the hardest thing to get my head around when getting to grips with the genre. You see, I like reading cosy crime, but I like watching cosy TV crime even more so, despite the fact that many of them are frankly quite ridiculous. 

Often you find the same type of characters. The one policeman in particular who is stupid and bullish. Inevitably they arrest the wrong man. There’s the Chief Inspector who in real life would be sat behind a desk all day, but who finds time to tramp around the countryside doing the job of a detective sergeant, the single forensic expert, who does the work of a dozen people, the DNA results that come back in a matter of hours, the arrogant aristocrat etc etc.

 They don’t always appear in cosy crime novels, but sometimes they do, and the thing is – the readers expect it. In fact, having discussed this with several readers groups, they accept it even if they know it isn’t realistic. To be honest, as a reader, so do I.

But squaring Leslie the reader with Leslie the author was really difficult. I like to think I’ve managed to keep on the side of those cosy crime writers who do try and stick as close to reality as the flow of the novel permits.  

Has my change of genre worked? Well, I do hope so. 

At the time of writing, I have only just started submitting The Dead of Martha’s Hollow to publishers – so actual publication may be some time off yet. In the meantime, I will be publishing the fifth (and possibly final) novel in the Inspector Chard series – Pagan Rite’- which will be released in March 2026. If you want to catch up with the series, the first four are now out of print but available as E-books on Kindle. The most recent was Flames of Anarchy. 

“This thoroughly enjoyable book is the best yet in Scase’s ‘Inspector Chard’ series… Scase deploys his knowledge of the police service at the time with remarkable skill, weaving the tension between innovation and accepted practice into the story smoothly. Taking South Wales in a time of change as the background for a ripping yarn may have been done before but seldom as well and with less preaching.”
Myfanwy Alexander, Nation.Cymru

Leslie Scase is a former Customs and Excise officer, born and educated in south Wales but now living in Shropshire. He is a member of the Crime Writers Association and of the Crime Cymru writers collective.

The Inspector Chard Mysteries, are crime thrillers set in the heyday of Victorian Britain.

Flames of Anarchy published in May 2024, is the fourth novel in the Inspector Chard Mysteries series.
Leslie regularly gives talks on crime in the late Victorian period, has appeared at many literary festivals and been interviewed on BBC radio. His interests include military history, fly fishing, cooking, real ale, football and
rugby union.