What George Bailey Taught Me About Cozy Mysteries

As part of the Cozy Mystery Book Club’s 12 Days of Cozies, I penned this guest post – an ode to my favorite Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. Read the beginning below and read the full post on their website here!

It’s that time of year when I snuggle up to watch It’s a Wonderful Life. You know that heartwarming tale of George Bailey, the man who learns that his existence matters more than he could have ever imagined. Did you know the town where the movie was filmed is actually the real-life Seneca Falls, New York? The local museum hosts an annual It’s a Wonderful Life festival and it’s totally on my bucket list to attend someday.

Now, my ideal movie night scenario is the one where I convince the kids or grandkids to cozy up with me until the angel bells ring at the end. However, the Bedford Falls gene must have skipped a generation because 90% of the time, I’m camped out on the couch alone with my hot cocoa, geeking out for the fortieth time about how much I love this story. In my Cassandra Sato Mystery series there’s even an old run-down mansion just like the one in the movie, and that’s no coincidence!

Today I invite you to settle in with me as we study how George’s journey through life is like a masterclass in cozy wisdom. Here are five things George Bailey taught me about cozy mysteries:

The Importance of Community in a Cozy World.

Remember what Clarence, George’s guardian angel, said? “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole.” It’s the same in the world of cozy mysteries. Our sleuths thrive in tight-knit communities, just like George did in Bedford Falls where everyone knows everyone else, and all their secrets. The real beauty of sitting at home curled up in a recliner reading is that we get to live in those imaginary communities with the quirky cast of supporting characters in the story.

Embracing the Imperfect.

George faces hard times throughout the movie, like when he gushes, “I’m shakin’ the dust of this crummy little town off my feet, and I’m gonna see the world.” How many of us had similar dreams in our youth?

Continue reading at Cozy Mystery Book Club…

Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 15 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.

Parents, kids, and teachers love the children’s books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through fun, engaging stories. And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project coming together the night before it’s due.

A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.