Enchanting Cozy Mystery Books You Won’t Want to Put Down…
If you’re a fan of mystery novels but are tired of the gruesome and graphic descriptions of crimes, cozy mysteries might be the perfect genre for you. Unlike other mysteries, cozy mystery books are not centered around violence or gore. Instead, they focus on intricate puzzles, quirky characters, and charming settings that will make you feel like you’re a part of the story.
With a cozy mystery, you’ll find yourself transported to a small town where everyone knows each other’s names, and nothing is ever as it seems. You’ll meet amateur sleuths who are just as clever as any professional detective, and you’ll root for them as they solve cases that baffle even the most experienced law enforcement officers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing read or a gripping page-turner, cozy mysteries have something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 21 cozy mystery books that will keep you entertained for hours on end!
“Murder at the Vicarage” by Agatha Christie
No list of Enchanting Cozy Mystery Books would be complete without including the legendary Miss Marple. She is one of Agatha Christie’s most beloved characters, takes center stage in this classic cozy mystery. When the unpopular Colonel Protheroe is found dead in the vicar’s study, Miss Marple sets out to uncover the killer. As she delves into the lives of the villagers and the secrets they keep, she discovers that everyone has something to hide. With a cast of eccentric characters and plenty of twists and turns, this book is a must-read for any fan of the genre.
“The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” by Alexander McCall Smith
Set in Botswana, this charming cozy mystery follows the adventures of Precious Ramotswe as she opens her own detective agency. With her keen intuition and a deep love for her country and its people, Precious takes on cases that others might overlook. Along the way, she forms strong bonds with her clients and with her assistant, Grace Makutsi. With a delightful cast of characters and a richly-drawn setting, this book is a heartwarming and engaging read.
“The Cat Who Could Read Backwards” by Lilian Jackson Braun
In this cozy mystery, journalist Jim Qwilleran moves to the small town of Pickax and investigates a series of strange deaths with the help of his Siamese cat, Koko. As Jim and Koko delve deeper into the mysteries of Pickax, they discover that there may be more going on in this sleepy town than meets the eye. With a feline sidekick and a quirky town setting, this book is a delightful and engaging read.
“Maisie Dobbs” by Jacqueline Winspear
In this atmospheric cozy mystery set in post-World War I England, Maisie Dobbs opens her own detective agency and takes on cases that touch on the traumas of war and the social changes of the time. With a strong and empathetic protagonist and a richly-drawn setting, this book is a compelling and thought-provoking read.
“The Secret, Book & Scone Society” by Ellery Adams
In this cozy mystery, four women in a small North Carolina town form a book club where they share their love of mysteries and their own secrets. But when one of their own is murdered, they must use their skills and their bonds of friendship to uncover the killer. With a unique premise and a heartwarming cast of characters, this book is a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries and book clubs alike.
“Murder at the Mena House” by Erica Ruth Neubauer
Set in 1920s Cairo, this atmospheric cozy mystery follows Jane Wunderly, a young widow on holiday at the Mena House hotel, as she investigates a murder and navigates the complex social and political landscape of Egypt. With a fascinating setting and a clever plot, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and historical fiction.
“A Crime of Passion Fruit” by Ellie Alexander
In this charming cozy mystery set in Ashland, Oregon, baker and amateur sleuth Juliet Capshaw investigates a murder involving a rival bakery and a missing recipe. With a delicious setting and a cast of endearing characters, this book is a sweet and satisfying read.
“Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie
In this classic cozy mystery, detective Hercule Poirot investigates a murder on a luxury cruise ship sailing down the Nile River. With a cast of wealthy and glamorous suspects, each with their own motives and secrets, Poirot must use all of his cunning and deductive skills to uncover the killer. With stunning descriptions of the Egyptian landscape and a captivating plot, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.
“The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie” by Alan Bradley
Flavia de Luce, an eleven-year-old chemist and amateur detective, sets out to solve a murder in her small English village in this charming cozy mystery. With her quick wit and scientific knowledge, Flavia uncovers a web of family secrets and long-held grudges. With a delightful protagonist and a richly-drawn setting, this book is a page-turner that will leave you eager for more.
“Arsenic and Adobo” by Mia P. Manansala
In this delightful cozy mystery, Lila Macapagal returns home to the small town of Shady Palms, Illinois to help save her aunt’s struggling restaurant, only to find herself embroiled in a murder investigation. With a unique setting and a diverse and engaging cast of characters, this book is a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries and foodie fiction.
“Crocodile on the Sandbank” by Elizabeth Peters
In this delightful cozy mystery, Amelia Peabody, an independent and unconventional Victorian woman, travels to Egypt to pursue her passion for archaeology. When she meets the dashing and mysterious Radcliffe Emerson, the two become embroiled in a dangerous adventure involving mummies, curses, and murder. With a strong and engaging protagonist and a vividly-drawn setting, this book is a must-read for fans of both cozy mysteries and historical fiction.
“The Beekeeper’s Apprentice” by Laurie R. King
In this intriguing cozy mystery, Sherlock Holmes takes on a young apprentice, Mary Russell, who proves to be every bit his equal in intelligence and deductive skills. When a series of murders rocks the English countryside, Holmes and Russell work together to uncover the truth. With a fascinating and complex protagonist and a clever plot, this book is a must-read for fans of both classic mystery and cozy mystery.
“Aunt Dimity’s Death” by Nancy Atherton
In this cozy mystery, Lori Shepherd inherits a charming cottage in the English countryside from her recently deceased aunt, Aunt Dimity. But when she discovers that Aunt Dimity may have had a secret past, Lori sets out to uncover the truth with the help of Aunt Dimity’s ghost. With a heartwarming cast of characters and a charming setting, this book is a perfect read for a cozy night in.
“The Haunted Bookshop” by Christopher Morley
In this charming cozy mystery, bookseller Roger Mifflin must solve a mystery involving stolen books and a haunted bookshop. With a love of books and a clever wit, Roger sets out to uncover the truth with the help of his friend, a young advertising man named Aubrey Gilbert. With a unique setting and a delightful cast of characters, this book is a perfect read for bibliophiles and mystery fans alike.
“Murder at the Library of Congress” by Margaret Truman
In this engrossing cozy mystery, Annabel Reed-Smith, a researcher at the Library of Congress, discovers a murder in the stacks and sets out to uncover the killer. With a love of books and a keen intellect, Annabel navigates the complex world of academia and politics to uncover a web of deceit and corruption. With a fascinating setting and a compelling plot, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and political thrillers.
“The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree” by Susan Wittig Albert
In this cozy mystery set in Depression-era Alabama, the members of the Darling Dahlias garden club set out to solve a murder involving a rare cucumber tree. With a strong sense of community and a charming setting, this book is a delightful and engaging read.
“Murder in an English Village” by Jessica Ellicott
In this cozy mystery set in the 1920s, two friends, Beryl Helliwell and Edwina Davenport, team up to solve a murder in their picturesque English village. With a strong sense of place and a clever plot, this book is a perfect read for fans of classic British mystery and cozy mystery alike.
“The Accidental Alchemist” by Gigi Pandian
In this charming cozy mystery, Zoe Faust, a transplanted alchemist living in Portland, Oregon, becomes embroiled in a mystery involving an ancient alchemical text and a murder. With a unique premise and a quirky cast of characters, this book is a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries and the supernatural.
“Til Death” by Annette Dashofy
When a beloved veterinarian suddenly dies in what appears to be a tragic accident, paramedic and amateur sleuth Zoe Chambers doesn’t believe it’s as simple as it seems. As she investigates, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that someone will do anything to keep hidden. With twists and turns at every corner, “Til Death” is a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing read or a gripping mystery, this book is sure to satisfy your cozy mystery cravings.
“A Deadly Inside Scoop” by Abby Collette
In this quirky cozy mystery, Bronwyn Crewse returns home to Chagrin Falls, Ohio to take over her family’s ice cream shop, only to find herself embroiled in a murder investigation. With a delightful setting and a cast of quirky and endearing characters, this book is a sweet and engaging read.
“The Plot Is Murder” by V.M. Burns
In this compelling cozy mystery series opener, Samantha Washington, a retired teacher, fulfills her dream of opening a mystery bookshop in a small town in Michigan. When she discovers a hidden room in her new bookshop filled with a valuable collection of books and a mysterious diary, she becomes entangled in a real-life murder mystery. With a delightful setting and a charming protagonist, this book is a perfect read for book lovers and cozy mystery enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, cozy mysteries are a beloved and enduring genre that offer readers a delightful escape into worlds of intrigue, wit, and charm. Whether you’re a fan of classic whodunits or contemporary tales, the cozy mystery genre has something for everyone. From Agatha Christie’s iconic Miss Marple to modern-day sleuths like Perveen Mistry and Jane Wunderly, the cozy mystery genre boasts a diverse cast of characters and settings that continue to captivate readers and keep them guessing until the very end.
So, whether you’re curled up on a cozy armchair, lounging on a beach, or enjoying a hot cup of tea on a rainy day, these cozy mystery books are sure to entertain and delight. With their clever plots, charming settings, and endearing characters, they offer the perfect escape from the stresses of daily life and a chance to indulge in the pleasures of a good mystery. So, pick up a book, settle in, and get ready to be transported into a world of intrigue and suspense.
But if you are looking for more thrilling reads, be sure not to miss our blog posts : Psychological Thrillers That Will Mess With Your Mind , The Classic Thriller Challenge and Why We Love Thrillers
Such a nice list, I used to read alot of Agatha Christie.
Great post! I love cosy mysteries in the winter… for some reason. haha! Arsenic and Adobo is one that I have read and liked!