Flew the Scoop

[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] This thesis project, Flew the Scoop, is intended as a "cozy mystery," a genre that combines the comforting conceits of small-town Americana with the suspense of murder mysteries. Their aim is to treat serious crimes in a light-hearted way, combining them with elements one would find in more domestic novels, including characteristics such as family drama, romance, and community. More often than not, there is also a theme that relates to the main character's passion like rescuing animals or owning a Bed and Breakfast. Cozy mysteries are characterized by the juxtaposition of community life and the harsh crime of murder. The protagonist, or amateur sleuth, is also preoccupied with other elements of their lives. Their reason for getting involved in something dangerously outside their field, like baking or journalism, is due to the need to secure their community. They are often drawn to the solving the murder because of a need to get justice for the victim or to clear the name of someone close to them. In Flew the Scoop, Rowena Hughes, owner of the popular Frostropolis Ice Cream Parlor, has never come across a problem she couldn't solve or person she couldn't face, especially with the help of her friends. When the former owner of the parlor's building passes away, it leads Rowena down into a situation she has never handled before: murder. After the niece of the late former owner is killed soon after, evidence leads to Rowena and her staff being named suspects in the case. The characters, in spite of their lack of proper investigation training, use their own skills and connections to seek out the culprit. With a murderer on the loose in their once quiet community and threatened by the prospect of prison, Rowena and company must scoop out justice. She'll have to stop this cold-blooded killer before she meets a chilling fate.