Nancy Drew is one of the most well-known sleuths in literature. She differs from Sherlock Holmes with an innocent and cheery style. Nancy is determined, a little naive, and investigates any mystery she can find. When writing the cozy sleuth story, there are six elements to consider in order to get them to fit the tone of the world.

How does the sleuth investigate?

Questioning: It's always good to consider how the sleuth finds clue and how they question suspects. Without being a detective, suspects have no reason to speak to them, let alone tell them anything. You can make this part of the frustration, or have the sleuth connected to the police. Most often this connection is a relative, old family friend, or a love interest.

Crime scene: Without a connection to the police, even if it's as a nuisance, it can be difficult to have the sleuth at the crime scene. This can be easier if the sleuth is the one that discovered the scene. There's also the possibility of the sleuth sneaking onto the crime scene. This goes more with the nuisance choice, but with their connection to the police, the sleuth usually gets away with a warning.

Who does the sleuth work with?

Connections: Does the sleuth have friends or family they turn to for help? Nancy Drew had her father as well as a selection of friends she often brainstormed ideas with. Sources that they can turn to for information regarding the mystery, whether it's murder, or theft related. If the mystery revolves around the theft of a painting, the sources would include someone that knows art, and can point the sleuth in the right direction.

What job or hobby does the sleuth have?

Mystery: The job is something regarded as safe such as working at a boutique, bakery, or bookstore. Or the sleuth has a hobby such as mystery club, garage sales, or knitting. The hobby or job relates directly to the mystery. If it's a murder mystery, this can connect to their place of work by the location where it took place or the victim shares the same job. If a mystery of theft, this can tie into antiques, which will have the sleuth investigating an object, or trying to find an object stolen from their place of work.

What does the sleuth need to have to solve the case?

Attributes: Despite being an amateur, the sleuth needs a vast knowledge that ties into the mystery or the ability to research thoroughly. They need to be stubborn and strong-willed, which will drive them to find answers. They also tend to be charming, which will help them get suspects to open up to them. No matter how tough or snarky, they need to be able to connect with people.

Flaws: In order to make the sleuth likable and realistic, they need to have flaws. This way the protagonist will read as a real character and gain more attention. The sleuth is entitled to make mistakes, but the mistakes need to be forgivable.

Does the sleuth need to have an inner monologue?

Thinking out loud: Nancy Drew is well-known for her habit of talking to herself. This fit the style of the time, but doesn't mean your sleuth has to think out loud. Though several cozies do feature an inner monologue through first person narration, but not all of them do.

Does the sleuth have to work alone?

Duo: Most cozies often feature a sleuth taking on a mystery alone, with connections or friends to turn to if they need help. However, this doesn't mean the sleuth can't work with a partner. This can be like The Hardy Boys and feature siblings, or a couple, or friends. For some fun, the duo can be a pair of sleuths that have friction and have to work together to achieve a common goal.