12 best cookies

Cookies in the context of cozy mystery and mystery thriller suspense books typically refer to a common theme or element found in these genres. These genres often feature scenes or moments where characters enjoy cookies, bake cookies, or use cookies as a plot device. While cookies themselves may not be the central focus of the story, they can serve various purposes in the narrative:

1. Cozy Atmosphere: Cookies are often used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in the story. Characters may gather over a plate of homemade cookies while discussing important plot points, making the setting feel warm and relatable.

2. Character Development: Baking or sharing cookies can provide insight into a character's personality. For example, a character who bakes cookies for others may be portrayed as caring and nurturing, while a character who hoards them might be seen as secretive or greedy.

3. Plot Clues: Cookies can sometimes be used as a clever way to introduce clues or hints related to the mystery at hand.A hidden message in a cookie recipe or a mysterious ingredient can lead characters closer to solving the puzzle.

4. Red Herrings: In some cases, cookies may be used as red herrings, diverting the reader's attention away from the true mystery or culprit. For example, a seemingly innocent cookie-making scene might distract from more significant developments in the plot.

5. Establishing Setting: The act of baking or enjoying cookies can also help establish the story's setting, such as a quaint bakery in a small town or a cozy kitchen in a rural cabin.

Overall, cookies in cozy mysteries and mystery thrillers often serve as a delightful and relatable element that adds depth to characters and helps create an engaging and cozy atmosphere within the story. They can be a charming and comforting aspect of these genres, even when the mysteries themselves are anything but sweet.