One of the characters in the Magical Mystery Book Club series is Zelda, Zell to her friends. She’s an octogenarian, and very proud of it. Readers tell me that they love her, and she’s their favorite character in the series. It’s not uncommon to find a senior citizen in a cozy mystery! There are quite a few reasons that they are so popular. 

Experience and Wisdom Strengthen the Plot

An older sleuth carries a lifetime of experience that enables them to figure out the nuances of a case. An intelligent twenty-something person may miss something that a senior catches, due to their vast past experiences. “Oh, I remember when…” can be a very useful tool.

Seniors Lose their Filters

Whether it’s intentionally or by accident, seniors often blurt out things they shouldn’t. This makes for some very funny scenes, an intriguing character, and secrets exposed unexpectedly. 

They can Get Away with Things

A tiny eighty-year-old woman can play the adorable card and get away with unacceptable behavior that would be nipped in the bud if it were a younger person. A crinkly, dimpled smile framed by a cloud of curly white hair can convince anyone of innocence.

They Give Us Hope 

Older characters who are smart, fun, and quirky tell us that age doesn’t mean you have to sit on a rocking chair and knit when you’re a senior citizen. You don’t have to become boring and bland. They demonstrate that no matter what your age, you can have a great time in your life.

They Reflect our Societal Shift

Sixty is the new forty, so they say. Therefore, eighty must be the new sixty, right? In today’s world of superior medical care, healthier personal habits, and the availability of information about how to live a longer, healthier life, you’ll see many seniors out there running marathons, hiking mountains, skiing, and sailing. So why not solving mysteries!