Series or Stand-alones?
By Campbell Sharpe
Help me decide something. Which is better? Standalones or series.
I finished a book this morning. It was standalone and it was lovely. I knew it was my only opportunity to get to know the characters and experience the setting, so I took my time. The book did not take me long to read, though. I was not overwhelmed by another thousand pages of character development threatening to undo the prior progress. There is less commitment required of readers. That is why I am more likely to pick up a standalone. To ensure my time is well-invested, I research series before I start them; the longer it is, the more work I put in. Standalones slip onto my shelf and can be a simple read on vacation or between projects. There is a finality with standalone books that does not exist with series that are possibly still in progress. Books are easier to read when you know the conclusion will be final and satisfying. I appreciate a narrative arc with a planned conclusion. There is satisfaction in knowing the culprit will be caught. It is cozy.
Still, I find myself reading a lot of series. The most intriguing plots need a while to cook. The most intricate settings need time to reveal themselves. The characters I relate to the most must undergo challenges that—much like real life—unfold over time. I like revisiting favorite authors, continuing stories, and opening up opportunities for further mysteries. When I finish a series, I close the book with new friends and enemies who are better fleshed out. Authors demonstrate their potential and build on their skills through multiple books. I love returning to the first books after finishing an entire series to see just how far the characters have come. There is a sense of pride in completing these mammoth plots—something that does not happen in single books. When you find something you like, more is always better.
Do I read another standalone or do I start a series? Standalones are fast and delightful, but reading series grants readers more connections and pride. No matter which you prefer, Cozy Cat Press has the perfect dose of literature for you. Check out standalone books like The Last Note, duologies such as The Denise Reed Mysteries, or, if you are bold enough, Diane Weiner’s two ten-book series. All of Cozy Cat Press’s books are available on Amazon where, if you also like doing research, you can read reviews and synopses or simply pick one. I still have yet to decide what to tackle next. Maybe I'll read multiple books at once. That has to be a solution, right?
