Author Spotlight: Jennifer J. Chow

Author of the Magical Fortune Cookie Novels, L.A. Night Market Mysteries, Sassy Cat Mysteries, and More

Mimi Gets a Clue is the first book in the Sassy Cat Mysteries. Ill-Fated Fortune is the first book in the Magical Fortune Cookie Novels. Death by Bubble Tea is the first book in the L.A. Night Market Mystery Series.

Jennifer J. Chow is the author of several beloved cozy mystery series, including the Magical Fortune Cookie Novels, the L.A. Night Market Mysteries, and the Sassy Cat Mysteries. Her books have been nominated for nearly every major mystery award out there, including Agatha, Anthony, Lefty, and Lilian Jackson Braun Awards. She has also written award-winning stand-alone novels and short fiction for anthologies and magazines and currently blogs at ChicksOnTheCase.com.

Cozy Crime Reads Interview with Jennifer J. Chow

What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?

Reading cozy mysteries! My mom introduced me to Agatha Christie, and I’ve never looked back!

What essential elements make a cozy stand out to you as a reader?

An amateur sleuth with a vibrant independence streak
A cozy community, whether that’s a tight-knit quaint town or a close circle of loyal friends with strong personalities
Quirkiness, found in sidekicks or in the theme of a novel (e.g. magical food)

Do you have a favorite amateur sleuth?

Miss Marple is my first pick because of Agatha Christie (see answer above), but when I was really young, I also enjoyed Encyclopedia Brown and Nancy Drew.

What inspired you to write your first cozy mystery?

In sixth grade, I wrote my first whodunnit because I loved the puzzle element of mysteries. I got an “A” on the assignment and that stuck with me in later life when I turned to a writing career.

The first three books in the Sassy Cat Mystery Series by Jennifer J. Chow

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

Sometimes I’ll draw from my own experiences; Los Angeles living, night market visits in East Asia, and family restaurant management while growing up influenced my L.A. Night Market mysteries. Other times, I’ll need to do due diligence in my research, like when I dropped by pet grooming shops for my Sassy Cat series. Finally, I fire up my imagination, like with my Magical Fortune Cookie novels, to figure out how the magical skills of my protagonist will unfold across the series.

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

Besides research, I design character profiles for everyone in the story, from the sleuthing main character to the eccentric suspects to the cute, cuddly pet.

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

Read a lot in the genre, and make connections with fellow mystery writers. If you’re unsure of how to find community, check out Sisters in Crime.

How can readers connect with you online?

I have an author website at www.jenniferjchow.com, where you can also sign up for my cozy connection newsletter. I’m also on social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Culinary cozy mysteries by Jennifer J. Chow

Recipe From Jennifer J. Chow

Jennifer J. Chow includes amazing food descriptions throughout her culinary cozy mysteries, including the L.A. Night Market and Magical Fortune Cookie series. She recently shared a wonderful recipe for Auspicious Almond Cookies with Cozy Crime Reads. (They're to die for and make a great reading snack!)

Buy Books by Jennifer J. Chow

You can find Jennifer J. Chow’s books in traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores and through many online bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, and Bookshop.org.

Amazon

Amazon

Amazon

Jennifer J. Chow Cozy Mystery Bookshelf

Use the arrows on either side of the images below to see cozy mystery books written by Jennifer J. Chow. Click on the image to see the book on Amazon.