Our Favorite Cozy Mystery Series This Season
There's nothing quite like a cozy mystery. The genre offers all the intrigue and puzzle-solving of traditional mysteries, wrapped in a warm, comforting package that's perfect for autumn evenings, rainy weekends, or whenever you need a gentle escape.
What Makes a Mystery "Cozy"?
Cozy mysteries share some common characteristics that set them apart from their grittier cousins:
- Violence happens "off-page" and is never graphic
- The setting is usually a small, close-knit community
- The amateur sleuth is often tied to a specific profession or hobby
- There's usually a romantic subplot (kept sweet, not steamy)
- Humor and quirky characters are essential ingredients
- Justice always prevails by the end
The Thursday Murder Club Series by Richard Osman
This series has taken the cozy mystery world by storm, and for good reason. Set in a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly to investigate cold cases. When a murder happens right in their community, they're more than ready to solve it.
Why we love it: The characters are absolutely delightful, the humor is sharp, and the mysteries are genuinely clever. Plus, the friendship between the four leads is heartwarming.
Start with: The Thursday Murder Club (2020)
The Flavia de Luce Series by Alan Bradley
Set in 1950s England, this series features an 11-year-old amateur chemist and detective who has a particular interest in poisons. Flavia navigates her eccentric family while solving murders in her village.
Why we love it: Flavia is one of the most memorable protagonists in the genre. Her voice is witty, precocious, and utterly charming. The historical setting is beautifully rendered.
Start with: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (2009)
The Library Lover's Mysteries by Jenn McKinlay
Librarian Lindsey Norris solves mysteries in the charming coastal town of Briar Creek, Connecticut. Each book features a book club discussion guide and the library setting is perfectly realized.
Why we love it: It's perfect for book lovers! The library setting, the book recommendations woven into the plot, and the cozy small-town atmosphere make this a reader's dream series.
Start with: Books Can Be Deceiving (2012)
The Agatha Raisin Series by M.C. Beaton
A London PR executive retires to the Cotswolds and becomes an unlikely detective. Agatha is brash, competitive, and absolutely hilarious as she stumbles through village life and murder investigations.
Why we love it: Agatha is far from perfect, and that makes her incredibly relatable. The Cotswolds setting is gorgeous, and the village characters are wonderfully eccentric.
Start with: Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death (1992)
The Finlay Donovan Series by Elle Cosimano
A struggling mom and romance novelist is mistaken for a contract killer. Instead of correcting the mistake, she finds herself actually solving crimes. It's a fresh take on the cozy mystery format.
Why we love it: The premise is hilarious and the execution is perfect. Finlay is a wonderful protagonist, and the humor is laugh-out-loud funny while the mystery keeps you guessing.
Start with: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It (2021)
Tips for Getting Into Cozy Mysteries
- Pick a theme you love: There's a cozy mystery for every interest - cats, cooking, crafts, books, gardening, you name it!
- Start with book one: Most cozy mysteries are series with recurring characters, so it's best to begin at the beginning
- Don't expect high stakes: The charm is in the journey, not the tension
- Embrace the predictability: Yes, the amateur sleuth will solve it, and that's perfectly fine
- Make it an experience: Grab a cup of tea and a blanket for maximum coziness
"A cozy mystery is like visiting old friends in a familiar place. The comfort is part of the pleasure." - Unknown
Whether you're new to the genre or a longtime fan looking for your next series, we hope this list helps you find your next cozy read. Happy sleuthing!