Looking for cozy mystery novels? Here are six cozy mysteries for curling up and getting lost in a good book. From meddling Filipino aunties to 1930s London glamour, these series have all the murder and none of the nightmares.
Coffee Lover’s Mystery Series by Tara Lush (4 books)
Lana Lewis owns a coffee shop in Devil’s Beach, Florida. She keeps stumbling on bodies and has to solve the murders.
The vibes:
- Ex-journalist turned barista sleuth
- Florida Gulf Coast vibes
- Still has time for romance
Devil’s Beach is your typical beach town, but it feels slightly smaller and more isolated than most. Lana is kind of nosy, but aren’t all amateur sleuths? I like that she’s dating the police chief, and her dad is great. Since there are only four books, start with book 1.
Cupcake Bakery Mystery by Jenn McKinlay (16 books)
Mel and Angie own a bakery in Scottsdale. With their friends, family, and employees, they keep stumbling upon dead bodies.
The vibes:
- Movie quote banter
- Killer plots with sides of romance
- Quirky characters
Mel, Angie, and Tate have known each other forever, so they have so much history and it’s great. The romance is more background. Front and center is the bakery, then the murders, then the romance. The romance is great since Mel’s husband is Angie’s brother and Angie’s husband is Tate. It just adds to the messiness that is their life and business. I like the movie quote game, but most of the time I don’t know what movies they are until they say.
Tita Rosie’s Kitchen by Mia P. Manansala (6 books)
Lila runs a Filipino restaurant in Shady Palms, Illinois. With her aunties and friends, she keeps finding bodies and solving murders.
The vibes:
- Meddling Filipino aunties
- Small town murder magnet
- Romance and halo-halo
You don’t have to know anything about Filipino food or culture to enjoy this series. Lila teaches you about what she’s making or what they’re eating. It adds to the series that it’s specific to their culture. The love triangle doesn’t drag, which was nice. Unlike the Hannah Swensen series where she debated between men for so many books. Best thing about the meddling aunties? Everything! All the aunties are hilarious. They all want to solve the murders, they want to be in the middle of your love life, and they like good food.
Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard (2 books)
Capri Sanzio runs serial killer tours in San Francisco. As the granddaughter of ‘Overkill Bill,’ she keeps finding herself investigating murders and clearing her name.
The vibes:
- Tours by day, sleuth by night
- Family legacy of murder
- Flirting with detective
This series is a little darker, but still cozy. It’s actually a nice change to the typical cozy. I enjoyed the San Francisco setting. I learned about San Francisco and it’s not a usual setting for cozy mysteries. Capri and the detective are tentative. They’re both slow to trust and engage in the dating. It’s sweet.
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen (19 books)
Lady Georgiana is 34th in line to the British throne but flat broke. In 1930s London, she takes on odd jobs, spies for the Queen, and solves murders.
The vibes:
- 1930s London glamour
- Royal family secrets
- Mysterious Irish love interest
The historical setting is easy to get into. Overall, you’d almost forget that it’s historical. Darcy O’Mara has a mysterious background. He runs off all the time for secret missions. He’s hot. I think I stopped at 13 or 14, so I can’t say for the whole series. I think it’s a comfort though to keep reading.
Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (5 books + Netflix film)
Coopers Chase is full of retirees and sleuths.
The vibes:
- British humor and charm
- Heartwarming and clever
- Aging with purpose
The humor is charming for me. I enjoy the dry British humor. Joyce is my favorite. I think she’s everyone’s favorite. The Netflix movie is worth watching if you’ve read the books. I loved it.
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