I personally think that cozy mystery books are the perfect blend of suspense, charm, and also humor because they feature amateur detectives solving crimes in cozy settings, mostly with a sprinkle of romance or a hint of culinary delight.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, this list of 15 top cozy mystery books are sure to transport you to captivating small towns filled with intrigue and unforgettable characters.
15 Cozy Mystery Books
1. Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
No cozy mystery list is complete without Agatha. This novel marks the first appearance of Miss Marple who is the unassuming yet razor-sharp detective.
The book is set in the sweet village of St. Mary Mead, this classic whodunit is filled with twists and timeless charm of Agatha’s storytelling.
2. Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien
Lana Lee can be said as an accidental detective who finds herself interwined in a murder case at her family’s Chinese restaurant.
This book is a mix of mouthwatering food descriptions, fun characters, and an interesting mystery which makes this the perfect cozy read. Plus point: You’ll crave dumplings by the end of the book!
3. The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King
This one’s a fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes universe, this story introduces Mary Russell, Holmes’s protégé. The witty mysteries and historical details make it a fascinating read for fans of classic and cozy mysteries alike.
4. Killer Jam by Karen MacInerney
In this charming start to the Dewberry Farm series, Lucy Resnick, who leaves her high-pressure life to run a Texas farm.
But when murder strikes, Lucy must juggle farming, baking, and sleuthing in this amazing tale which is filled with small-town charm.
5. Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander
Welcome to Ashland, Oregon, where Juliet Capshaw, the main lead returns to run her family’s bakery. But when murder strikes, Juliet’s pastry skills are matched only by her detective instincts.
This one is filled with tempting recipes and a scenic backdrop plus, it’s a delicious start to a fun series.
6. Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs
In the first book of the “Tea Shop Mysteries,” Theodosia Browning navigates a murder which is tied to her Charleston tea shop. With lush Southern settings and fascinating tea lore, this cozy mystery is surely a treat for tea lovers and mystery enthusiasts both.
7. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
The first book in the Hannah Swensen Mysteries series introduces us to a small-town baker who becomes an inexpert detective after a murder is committed in her community.
The chocolate chip cookie murder is definitely filled with mouthwatering cookie recipes, this is as cozy as it is sweet and suspenseful.
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8. The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha by JoAnna Carl
This sweet treat of a mystery has Lee McKinney, a chocolatier who must investigate a murder that occurs during the busy Easter season at her own candy shop.
It’s a fun and light-hearted cozy tale with lots of chocolate which makes it an irresistible read for mystery lovers with a sweet tooth.
9. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
While not a traditional cozy mystery, this book involves a young boy who is solving the mystery of a neighbor’s dog’s death.
The story will offer a fresh perspective and unique character exploration which makes it an intriguing and deep read for mystery lovers.
10. The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern by Lilian Jackson Braun
In this second book of the Cat Who series, Jim Qwilleran and his clever cat named Koko, are once again involved in solving a mystery.
With Koko’s mysterious behavior and Qwilleran’s brilliant investigative skills, this series is perfect for cat lovers who are also mystery fans.
11. Scorched Eggs by Laura Childs
In this first book of the Cackleberry Club Mysteries, three friends in a small town open a café and then quickly find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation.
This book is rich of food, friendship, and also suspense, it’s a great pick for anyone who loves a cozy with a bit of culinary flair.
12. The Scent of Murder by India Ink
This fun mystery involves a perfumer who has to investigate a death tied to a high-end perfume company. The interesting world of scent-making adds an aromatic twist to the classic cozy mystery, making this a fresh and captivating read.
13. The Secret, Book, & Scone Society by Ellery Adams
In this pleasing story, a group of women who bond over their love of books and also of baked goods come together to solve a mystery.
With strong female characters and a cozy setting, this book combines all the elements of a perfect mystery with a warm and really comforting feel.
14. The Maid by Nita Prose
Molly the maid is a unique and brave character in this cozy mystery. When a wealthy guest is found dead in a hotel, Molly becomes the prime suspect and she has to clear her name while unraveling a series of dark secrets.
With freaky characters and an engaging plot, this book is a fresh take on the genre.
15. A Slice of Murder by Chris Cavender
This book is set in a pizzeria in a small town, where the main character, Eleanor, gets involved in a murder investigation after a local businessman is found dead in her shop.
Filled with plenty of pizza and also suspense, this cozy mystery is a deliciously fun read.
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Conclusion
With these 15 cozy mystery books, your cozy mystery library should be bursting with interesting mysteries and charming characters. From delightful apprentice detectives to small-town settings, each book offers a different twist on the same genre.
If you’re in the mood for a warm cup of tea or a cozy afternoon on the couch, these books will surely keep you entertained and intrigued. So, go ahead and read them now!
