Tranquil Tales from Death's Doorstep
Welcome to Tranquil Tales from Death's Doorstep a sleepy-time space for lovers of cozy mysteries. Relaxing bedtime stories set in places where murder and mayhem often abound––often, but not always. Select from a collection audio tales set in bucolic locales, created by your favorite cozy authors, and discover tranquil tales where the only crime is too little time.
Deep breath in. Hold. Now exhale the worries of the day,
and retreat into a Tranquil Tale.
Photo: Ashley King
Stressed? Anxious? Trouble Sleeping?
Join the club. So many people in these uncertain times are struggling to unwind, to leave the madness of the day behind, and to get much needed quality sleep. Listening to sleep stories may be the answer. New scientific research supports the use of audio stories at bedtime not just for children, but for adults too as they try to turn off, tune out, and drift off.
If you aren’t familiar with the concept, sleep stories are benign tales told very gently. Nothing to stress you, nothing to raise your blood pressure, nothing to rev your mental engine up before you try to settle down. Research shows that a relaxing story can distract your mind from anxious, repetitive, or intrusive thoughts, decreasing the stress hormones in your body and preparing you for sleep.
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Sleep stories can also help you to fall asleep more quickly and stay in a state of deep sleep longer. Deep sleep is vital for a wide variety of critical bodily functions including cell repair, immunity support, brain rest and recharging. From a physiological standpoint, listening to soothing words before falling asleep slows your breathing and your heart rate . A slower heart rate produces more deep restorative sleep. As a result, you wake feeling more refreshed and energetic.
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So where do cozy mysteries fit into this paradigm? Murder is hardly a relaxing subject, and a raft of clues and red herrings is more likely to energize the brain than lull it to sleep. However, as our realtor friends say, the key is location, location, location. Most cozy mysteries take place in bucolic settings known for being quaint and charming. Places like Cabot Cove, St. Mary’s Mead, and Three Pines are all know for being utterly captivating when someone isn’t actively being killed. Here at Tranquil Tales you can experience the serene side of your favorite mystery settings. Each week one of your favorite cozy mystery writers will contribute an endearing tale of the everyday based on the characters and places you love. Stories that will warm your heart and soothe your mind.
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Tonight, at bedtime wherever you are, cozy up under your favorite fluffy blanket, settle your furry friend into their favorite spot, and get ready to listen. ​