Acclaimed authors Andy Behrman Khan and Mick Billingham have taken on the trend of “cosy crime” novels, with Khan’s new James Bond story and Billingham’s Detective Miller series gaining popularity.
Khan’s Quantum of Menace, set for release in October, will see Q Branch agent turned detective. The author credits the recent resurgence of cosy crime novels as an inspiration, stating that publishers recognized the trend and sought writers who could bring a light-hearted touch to the genre.
Billingham, known for his dark-humored police procedurals featuring DI Tom Thorne, has taken on a new challenge with the Detective Miller series. His novels feature a police officer who moonlights as a ballroom dancer, bringing humour front and centre.
The “cosy crime” label is back in vogue, with several books being snapped up for film adaptations and TV series inspired by the genre. Authors such as MC Beaton and Alan Bradley have gained popularity with their works, which often feature dark undertones.
According to Billingham, publishers are now more open to humorous books, but he prefers the term “tragicomic” to describe his own writing style. Despite this, both authors are embracing the trend, bringing a fresh perspective to the cosy crime genre.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2025/08/21/richard-osman-cosy-crime-thursday-murder-club