Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s no secret that I adore the cozy mystery genre. Today, I’m sharing a list of some of my favorites. Please feel free to share your cozy reading suggestions in the comments. I’m always adding to my TBR pile.
The Secret Book & Scone Society Series, by Ellery Adams
Nora Pennington welcomes tourists to her bookstore in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. She is gifted with the ability to prescribe the perfect book to ease her customers’ pain. She and a group of new friends work toward divulging their deepest secrets while also solving the murder of a recent visitor to their small town.
Raina Sun Mystery Series, by Anne R. Tan
If your looking for humor in your cozy, graduate student Raina Sun won’t disappoint. I particularly enjoy the interactions with her feisty grandmother.
Beachfront Bakery Series, by Fiona Grace
Sun, sand, romance, and a twisty mystery to keep readers guessing. I loved everything about the setting in this book. A Venice Beach boardwalk in February? Yes, and please. When Allison Sweet is implicated in a man’s death, she must clear her name and hold onto her new bakery. Add in a loveable dog, and you have a charming cozy mystery.
Murder in an Irish Village, by Carlene O’Connor
Siobhan Sullivan runs her family’s bistro in Kilbane, County Cork, Ireland while trying to solve mysteries. Readers will feel as if they’ve been dropped into Ireland with every turn of the page – no passport needed.
Hannah Swenson Mystery Series, by Joanne Fluke
I was first introduced to this series by the movies starring the always delightful Alison Sweeney on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. Hannah owns a bakery in Minnesota but is routinely tasked with solving murder mysteries. An eclectic cast of characters and several yummy recipes abound in this culinary cozy series.
Permed to Death: Bad Hair Day Mystery Series, by Nancy J. Cohen
After being accused of poisoning one of her least favorite clients, hair stylist Marla must clear her own name.
Iced Chiffon: A Consignment Shop Mystery, by Duffy Brown
After a messy divorce, Reagan is trying to make ends meet while holding onto a run-down Victorian. She converts the first floor of her home into a consignment shop, aptly-named, The Prissy Fox. Reagan should be the last person trying to clear her ex’s name in the murder of his new girlfriend…
Death by Dumpling: A Noodle Shop Mystery, by Vivien Chen
A string of bad luck lands Lana Lee waiting tables in her family’s restaurant. While dodging her mother’s match-making efforts, she is tasked with clearing her family in the murder of their building manager.
Trouble in Mudbug: Ghost In-Law Mystery Series, by Jana DeLeon
This was the first paranormal cozy I’ve read, and I’m happy to say it was pure fun. Maryse Robicheaux was far from close to her mother-in-law when the woman was alive. Death fails to improve relations between the women with Helena spending her free time in the afterlife nagging Maryse as they try to solve a mystery.
One for the Money: Stephanie Plum Series, by Janet Evanovich
This book doesn’t quite fit the cozy genre, but I couldn’t not include it. Stephanie Plum is a newbie bounty hunter with a big attitude. The action-packed, fast pace will keep pages turning long after plans to put down the book.
Jill Piscitello 