Books like The Cat Who...
Hi everyone! I've been a long time fan of The Cat Who... series by Lilian Jackson Braun. I've tried several other cozy mystery series, but I've always had to drop a book halfway, that's how badly they've put me off. :( Can you recommend me other books similar to The Cat Who... in tone?
Here's what I like about that series: although there are silly mishaps and miscommunications, the plot doesn't hinge on these in major ways. Characters are flawed and annoying, but only ever so slightly, so that they truly do feel endearing. Best of all, there is a sense of community and 'everything will be okay' pervasive throughout the whole of the books. Moose County is an orderly place with community college, a bustling community theater and hobbyist scene, a newspaper, restaurants, tourism, beautiful nature, etc. It's truly comforting. Especially in the face of how chaotic the real world is right now.
Here's what is DO NOT like about other cozy mystery series I've tried: Characters are often too obnoxious. All the humor hinges upon the entire town feeling full of mishaps and chaos. There is too much interpersnal intrigue and gossip. There is an outsized focus on romance. There are actual villains (in The Cat Who they are usually very much in the background, if they even exist). The main character's life is always on the brink of falling apart. Etc.
Many thanks in advance!