by Frank Anthony Polito
Recently I learned that my “quozy” mystery series, Domestic Partners in Crime, is on the verge of cancellation by my publisher, Kensington, due to low sales of the second book, Rehearsed to Death. Suffice to say, this has been a sobering experience. This news arrives even before the third book, Haunted to Death, is set to go on sale at the end of this month. When I was initially approached to write the series, I hadn’t considered the possibility that it might not continue beyond the first few installments. In my naiveté, I believed that cozy mystery series would naturally extend indefinitely, sustained by a loyal readership and the author’s creativity.
My misconception was partly fueled by the genre itself. Cozy mysteries, with their charming settings and recurring cast of characters, seem built for longevity. They create a comforting world where readers can repeatedly immerse themselves, following the protagonist through various escapades. I envisioned my domestic partners, Peter “PJ” Penwell and JP Broadway, solving mysteries for years to come, evolving with each case. However, the reality of publishing is far less predictable. Market performance and sales figures wield significant influence over a series’ lifespan, regardless of the author’s plans or the potential of the storyline.
The unexpected news is particularly disheartening as I have already completed writing the fourth book in the series, Dragged in Death. In this installment, PJ and JP are drawn into the vibrant world of drag culture. They are asked to participate in a charity Extravaganza drag show, an event that promises glitz, glamour, and—unbeknownst to them—a new mystery. When the young drag queen known as Melody Mansion is found dead backstage, smothered by her own wig, suspicion immediately falls on her drag mother, the legendary Detroit drag queen Ms. Harmony House. The story delves into the complexities of drag family dynamics, the fierce competition within the community, and the deep bonds that are formed and tested under the spotlight.
The looming cancellation of Domestic Partners in Crime has prompted me to reflect on the fragility of creative endeavors in the publishing industry. It’s a stark reminder that storytelling is as much about connecting with readers as it is about crafting engaging plots. Despite the current uncertainty, I remain hopeful that Haunted to Death will find its audience, revitalizing interest in PJ and JP’s adventures. Ultimately, whether or not the series continues, I am proud of the stories I’ve told and the characters I’ve brought to life. My journey with Domestic Partners in Crime has been a labor of love, and I’m grateful for every reader who has joined me along the way.
All this said, if you’ve already read and enjoyed the adventures of PJ and JP in Pleasant Woods in books 1 and 2, I urge you to pick up a copy of book 3, ASAP. Your support is crucial at this juncture, and I hope you’ll tell all your friends to do the same––please! Every purchase and recommendation helps immensely in making a case for the continuation of the series. I offer my heartfelt appreciation for any help you can provide in saving Domestic Partners in Crime.
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I loved Rehearsed to Death.
Sounds like a series that shouldn’t be canceled. Adding the series to my TBR list.