Cozy Mystery Books
I love cozy mystery books! They are the book equivalent of a warm cup of cider- sweet and comforting.
Over the last few years, Kirsten and I have definitely read our fair share of these fun and easy-to-read books. In fact, we have an entire list of cozy books from all genres if you are looking for other genres of cozy books to read. This post fulfills a prompt for the 2025 reading challenge!
What makes a cozy mystery? Usually, this genre of mystery takes place in a small town. The violence of the murder will not be in the pages of these books, rather, it will be glossed over with no descriptions either. Most cozy mysteries have amateur sleuths as well. While we have a few exceptions to this rule on the list, most cozy mystery novels will have an amateur solving the crime (often before the professionals).
The Best Cozy Mystery Novels
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of cozy mystery books. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Historical Cozy Mystery Book
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton – Click here to read the review and see more books in the subgenres
The Best Amateur Sleuth Cozy Mystery Novel
How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin – Click here to read the review and see more books in the subgenres
Best Cozy Mystery Series
The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith – Click here to read the review and see more books in the subgenres
The Best Novel with Elderly Sleuths
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutano – Click here to read the review and see more books in the subgenres
The Best Youg Adult Cozy Mystery
Sweetness at the Bottom of Pie by Alan Bradley – Click here to read the review and see more books in the subgenres
The Best Cozy Beach Mystery Books
Every Time I go on Vacation Someone Dies by Catherin Mack- Click here to read the review and see more books in the subgenres
The Best Christmas Cozy Mystery Book
A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny – Click here to read the review and see more books in the subgenres
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Historical Cozy Mystery Books
Plot
A young girl is abandoned on a ship headed to Australia. When she arrives, the only thing in her possession is a suitcase with some clothes and a book of fairy tales. The dock master and his wife adopt Nell and tell her the story of her arrival in Australia on her 21st birthday. She goes back to England on a quest to find her lost identity.
Unsuccessful, her granddaughter later takes up the search and tries to assemble the pieces of her grandmother’s mystery and unlock the secrets of her past.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Infertility
Why Kirsten loves it
I was swept away by this story and found myself dreaming of Cornwall while reading. This gothic fiction is a perfect book for fall.
Find this book in: Kate Morton Books / Cozy Books / Family Saga / Books set in Cornwall / Historical Mystery / British Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books
Party Girls Die in Pearls
Author: Plum Sykes
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Mystery
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This British mystery book takes place at Oxford University in the 1980s when a socialite is murdered. Ursula Flowerbutton, an English country girl, is trying to investigate the murder for the college paper while trying to befriend the glamorous crowd.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a comedic spoof and the outfit descriptions alone had me giggling. I hope it becomes a series of mystery books because I would love to read more of Flowerbutton and her Sloane Ranger friends. The secret societies and prestigious schools make this one of our lighter dark academia books set in college. It’s just a really fun pick.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / British Mysteries / Dark Academia Books / Books Set in College / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Books Set in the 80s
Juliet: A Novel
Author: Anna Fortier
Year: 2010
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
What if Shakespeare’s Juliet was real and was actually a curse? Alternating between the “real” Juliet’s story and her modern-day descendant’s story, the book proves that love transcends time.
Julie receives a key to a safety deposit box in Italy after her aunt Rose dies. This journey will take her to Siena and to her ancestor, Giulietta Tolomei. The further she digs into her past, she more she learns about her family and the curse that has been following them for centuries.
It’s such a unique and amazing classic retelling and was a no-brainer pick for a list of the best romance novels of all time. The epic love story also makes it perfect for anyone who is looking for mystery, romance, and historical fiction in one book.
Why Kirsten loves it
I ADORE this book set in Italy and have read it numerous times. I can’t put my finger on why this story makes my top 10 favorite books, but it’s a comfort read that I go to whenever I need a pick-me-up. I re-read it again and again! It has a little bit of everything – romance, a mystery, a contemporary and historical element.
Why Jackie loves it
There is something so fairytale-like in this book. It is part historical fiction, part cozy mystery and 100% delight.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Ultimate List of Romance Books / Books Like Outlander / Kirsten’s Favorite Books of All Time / Cozy Mystery Books
Amateur Sleuth Cozy Mystery Novels
How to Solve Your Own Murder
Author: Kristen Perrin
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: Castle Knoll Files Book 1 of 2
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Annabelle’s Great Aunt Frances has believed she would be murdered since a fortune teller told her that at a young age. And now she has been!
The kicker? She’s collected files on everyone she knows and thinks the killer is hidden within those pages. For that reason, she has decided to leave her estate and vast fortune to whoever can solve the crime. Pitting Annabelle against other members of her ruthless family, she has one week to solve the murder without putting herself in danger.
The clues go back to Frances’s youth with diary entries interspersed throughout to create a dual-timeline narrative that is so incredibly clever and unique. It’s inferred that Frances’s files will be used again in the future.
Why Kirsten loves it
The first story in this new series didn’t disappoint. It’s a delightful cozy mystery unlike any I’ve read before! I can’t wait to explore Castle Knoll and Aunt Frances’s files more in future books.
Find this book in: Best Cozy Mystery Books
Arsenic and Adobo
Author: Mia P. Manansala
Year: 2021
Genre: Cozy Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5: Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mysteries
Age Range: Anthony Award Winner 2022, RUSA Award-winning novel
Plot
From the very first page of this book, I was completely hooked. I loved this book and could not put it down. This book is the perfect mix of cozy mystery and scrumptious food. I felt like Lousie Penny met Jenny Colgan to write this book.
When Lila moves home to help her family with their restaurant, she never dreamed that she would be put in the middle of a murder investigation. A food critic who is known for nasty reviews dies after a confrontation with Lila. The fact that he is also her ex makes her the prime suspect. Now, she has to prove her innocence with the help of her best friend and nosy aunties.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a light-hearted and fun cozy mystery novel. I was invested from the first page. I also laughed out loud at the antics. #gifted
Find this book in: Books About Food / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Books with Food in the Title
Finlay Donovan is Killing It
Author: Elle Cosimano
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5: Finlay Donovan
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Easily one of the most unique premises I’ve read recently for a mystery, this mystery-comedy mash-up was so enjoyable! Finlay Donovan is struggling to pay her bills on her meager book advance, so when someone mistakes her for a hired hitman and offers her 50k, she almost considers doing the job.
Until someone else beats her to it and she’s left to deal with the body. Soon her nanny-turned-sidekick is helping her literally bury the body. Can Finlay figure out who might be framing her before she ends up in big trouble?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love cosy mystery novels and this one had me laughing out loud. The hilarious antics kept me turning the pages.
Find this book in: Best Detective Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Ultimate List of Mystery Books
Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer
Author: Maxie Dara
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy Mystery
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Kathy Valence works for SCYTHE (Secure Collection Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences) as a modern-day grim reaper. Her job is simple. She picks up human essences after their passing and brings them to the next step on their journey.
When she arrives to pick up Conner Oritz, his soul is not there and when she finally tracks him down, he insists he was murdered. He refuses to go with her until she promises to track down his killer.
Now, pregnant Kathy who is mid-divorce and terrified that she will be a horrible mother has 45 days to find out what happened to Conner and why before he is stuck on earth as a ghost for eternity. She has to trust teenage Conner, her former mentor, and her soon-to-be ex-husband to help her through.
Why Jackie loves it
Kathy is a fun and unexpected character who learns about herself and how to have faith in herself. It was refreshing to see a “soon-to-be-ex” who is sweet and kind, rather than demeaning and cruel. This magical mystery felt like a breath of fresh air.
Find this book in: Cozy Mystery Books
Cozy Mystery Series
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Year: 2003
Genre: Cozy Mystery
More info: Book 1 or 24
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I have read so many of the mystery books in this series that I have lost count. If you are a die-hard mystery lover this series may be too tame for you.
But, if you are new to the mystery genre or like a lighter, cozy mystery book series, these books set in Africa are amazing. Precious Ramotswe is so hilariously self-assured that you cannot help but love her.
Mme Ramottswe has opened her detective agency and uses her personal life, sense of humor, common sense, and a perfect cup of tea to help solve the mysteries that come to her door.
Why Jackie loves it
These books are charming and easy to read. As you continue with the series, you get to know Precious, her assistant Grace Maskutsi as well as other people in the village (including a love interest).
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is so easy to read and you will fall in love with Mme Ramotswe within the first chapter.
Find this book in: Best Cozy Mystery Books / Novels About Africa / Detective Books / Ultimate List of Mysteries
The Scottish Ladies’ Detective Agency
Author: Lydia Travers
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: The Scottish Ladies’ Detective Agency #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is a delightful detective novel set in Scotland about two women who decide to start a detective agency in 1911. While no one takes them seriously at first, they soon have their first client and case – to stop a jewel thief who repeatedly hits up house parties.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this cozy mystery book. It was the perfect story to escape into during a rough week. I look forward to the next book in this detective series- they are delightful historical mystery books.
Find this book in: Books about Scotland / Best Historical Mystery Books / Detective Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books
The Maid
Author: Nita Prose
Year: 2022
Genre: Mystery
More info: January 2022 Good Morning America Pick
#1 New York Times Bestseller, EDGAR AWARD Finalist, Anthony Award Winner
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Molly Gray works as a maid in a grand hotel and gets joy from leaving things orderly and pristine. Molly struggles with reading social cues and has had even more trouble since her gran can no longer help.
When Molly finds the body of Mr. Black in a room at the hotel, she becomes a prime suspect and will need all her friends to help her. She calls her friend Mr. Preston, the doorman at the hotel, for help. His daughter is a lawyer. Soon it becomes clear that Molly, in her naivete, is involved in a drug scandal as well.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the description of this book and I hoped it would live up to my expectations. It did that and more. I adored every minute of this story and closed the last page smiling. Molly is such a wonderful character who has more depth than is apparent initially.
Find this book in: The Maid Book Club Questions / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Best Mystery Books / Feel-Good Books / Books for Book Clubs / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
Lord Edware Dies
Author: Agatha Christie
Year: Original publication 1933, republished 2011
Genre: Mystery
More info: Hercule Poirot Series Book 8
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This story features detective Hercule Poirot who has been summoned to investigate the murder of the wealthy Lord Edgware. His estranged wife visited him before his death and talked about getting rid of him but her alibi is pretty airtight. Poirot dives into the case, deftly unraveling a web of lies and secrets.
Why Kirsten loves it
As always, I was stumped by this case, didn’t see the solution to the problem, and could not figure out who dun it.
Find this book in: Cozy Mystery Books / 70 Agatha Christie Books in Order (+PDF)
Cozy Mystery Novels With Elderly Sleuths
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery
More info: Vera Wong #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Vera Wong lives above her tea shop in Chinatown in San Francisco. When she finds a dead body in the shop, she calls the police immediately but also cleans up a bit, uses a Sharpie to trace the body, and takes the flash drive out of the man’s dead hand.
She is sure that she can do a better job of finding the murderer than the police. She comes up with a plan to find the killer and finds four suspects who she grows to care for.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this mystery book and have recommended this cozy book too many times to count. Vera is easily one of my favorite amateur detectives and the story is simultaneously funny and heartwarming!
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Beach Reads 2023 / Books Like a Man Called Ove / Fiction Books About Tea / Best Cozy Mystery Books
The Marlow Murder Club
Author: Robert Thorogood
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: Marlow Murder Club #1
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Judith is a 77-year-old crossword puzzle author who enjoys her quiet life with her whiskey in her dilapidated mansion in Marlow. When she is out skinny dipping one nice in the Thames, she hears her neighbor get shot.
The police think nothing is awry so Judith takes to investigating. Soon, there are two more murders and Judith unknowingly brings two more people into the investigation with her- Suzie, the dog walker, and Becks, the vicar’s wife.
Why Jackie loves it
This book was an absolute delight to read. It was witty and funny, and I enjoyed every minute. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Fiction Serial Killer Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books
The Golden Spoon
Author: Jessa Maxwell
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery
More info: Only Murders in the building meets The Maid
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Every summer for the past ten years, bakers come to a Vermont estate to film a hit television show with the famous host and estate owner Betsy Martin. This year, something is off with the competition as things start to go awry on the set. Suddenly, a body is discovered in this locked room mystery.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book a day and absolutely loved it. It felt like Agatha Christie meets the Great British Baking Show. There is more than meets the eye with this cozy mystery and I loved every minute. As you get to know each character, the story becomes that much better they are equal parts delightful, hilarious, and suspicious.
Find this book in: Novels About Food / Domestic Thrillers / Books with Colors in the Title / Cozy Mystery Books
The Windsor Knot
Author: S. J. Bennett
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5: Her Majesty the Queen Investigates
Age Range: 15+
Plot
This cozy murder mystery was an absolute treat. I loved
Together they figure out who was behind the murder at Windsor Castle during one of the Queen’s Dine-and-Stays. This pick from books about Queen Elizabeth II is perfect for fans of Maggie Hope, Maise Dobbs, and the Royal Family.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the idea that Queen Elizabeth would have been an investigator as well. It made me smile and the plot was a delight.
Find this book in: Cozy Mystery Books / Books About Queen Elizabeth II / British Mysteries / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021
Young Adult Cozy Mystery Books
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Author: Alan Bradley
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Historical Mystery
More info: Flavia De Luce #1
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is the first book in the Flavia De Luce series. This 11-year-old aspiring chemist is a wonderful heroine who is smart and precocious. In this first book, it is 1950 and Flavia has a love of poisons. When she finds a man taking his last breath in a cucumber patch, she is not scared at all, rather, she delights in solving the mystery.
Why Kirsten loves it
Flavia is an absolute delight to read as she’s easily one of the most unique characters in a mystery series. My dad recommended this series to me. I read it, loved it, and promptly passed it on to my 12-year-old. I love that this story works for readers of all generations.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best first mystery books for younger readers as it does not have violence.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Best Books for 13-year-olds / British Mysteries / Mystery Books for Kids / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens / Books with Food in the Title
A Study in Charlotte
Author: Brittany Cavallaro
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Mystery
More info: Charlotte Holmes #1
Age Range: 13+
Plot
I enjoyed the first book in the Charlotte Holmes Trilogy. I’ve mentioned before that I am a big Sherlock Holmes fan. This Sherlock Holmes retelling differs from the others because it occurs in modern times.
The central characters are the teenage descendants of Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson. In the story, Jamie Watson has just started at an elite boarding school where he meets Charlotte Holmes. Charlotte is not interested in being Jamie’s friend, but when a student dies under suspicious circumstances, they must work together to clear their names.
Why Kirsten loves it
The adolescent angle leaves room for error in Holmes’ deductive reasoning skills. Watson is also a more fleshed-out character who has deductive reasoning skills of his own. This classic retelling wraps up nicely and the characters solve the mystery leaving enough open ends to allow for a sequel.
Find this book in: Sherlock Holmes Retellings / Books Set in High School / Detective Books / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Dark Academia Books / Classic Retellings / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens
The Inheritance Games
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5: The Inheritance Games
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I knew I had to read this YA mystery series after it was compared to one of my favorite middle-grade mystery books, The Westing Game.
In this story, Avery, a poor orphan is told she’s just inherited a billionaire’s fortune. His family is determined to get to the money, but Avery has bigger fish to fry – the riddles and puzzles the deceased Tobias Hawthorne left behind for her to solve. As she teams up with unlikely allies, she’s forced to figure out who is a friend or foe. In order to receive the money, she must follow the clues.
Why Kirsten loves it
I flew through this story and can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the trilogy!
Why Jackie loves it
I loved everything about this series, from the characters to the plot to the mystery of “why”.
Adaptation Information
Amazon purchased the rights to this book intending to make a TV series with Osprey Productions. Grainne Godfree is writing it and Jennifer Lynn Barnes is one of the producers. Release date is TBD.
Find this book in: Books for 13-year-olds / Best Mystery Books for Teens / Best Puzzle Books / Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens / Books Becoming TV Series / Best Books About Siblings / Best Books About Siblings
Beach Cozy Mystery
Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies
Author: Catherine Mack
Year: 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery
More info: USA Today Bestseller, An Indie New List Pick (May 2024)
Age Range: 15+
Plot
What a fun new mystery series! When a group of authors accompanies mystery writer, Eleanor Dash, on her book tour in Italy, people keep turning up dead around them. While she is trying to figure out a way to kill off her main character, Connor, and end her long-running series, someone is trying to kill the real-life Connor on the tour!
Now Eleanor and her writer frenemies must put their differences aside to try to solve the murders and stay alive. The hysterical scenarios they find themselves in keep the vacation murder plot delightfully lighthearted. Add in the descriptions of Italian food, gorgeous sites, and wild personal hijinks and you’ve got a lovely summer read.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s not often a mystery series that is both mysterious and fun, but this one delivers! It’s exactly the kind of mystery book I gravitate towards in the middle of summer. I can’t wait to see this series continue! #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Find this book in: Italy Novels / Best Beach Reads / Cozy Mystery Books / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
The Newcomer
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Can you believe this was my first Mary Kay Andrews story? What a story it was!
After Letty discovers her sister murdered, she whisks her niece, Maya, down to Florida so they can go into hiding. While Letty tries to untangle her sister’s web of secrets at The Surf Motel, Joe, the owner’s son, tries to untangle his growing feelings for Letty.
Why Kirsten loves it
Part mystery, part suspense, part romance, but pure delight, this won’t be my last Mary Kay Andrews novel. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my review copy. All opinions are my own.
Find this book in: Cozy Mystery Books / Hotel Novels
The Last Equation of Isaac Severy
Author: Nova Jacobs
Year: 2018
Genre: Mystery
More info: Wall Street Journal’s “Mysteries: Best of 2018”
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This book was compared to my favorite middle-grade mystery, The Westing Game so I immediately purchased it.
Days after Hazel’s grandfather, Isaac Severy, dies by apparent suicide, she gets a mysterious letter from Isaac imploring her to find and deliver his last equation before it falls into the wrong hands.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s the perfect mystery novel for fans of Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore. This mystery is unique and so smart.
Find this book in: Books About Puzzles / Cozy Mystery Books
Christmas Cozy Mystery Books
A Fatal Grace
Author: Louise Penny
Year: 2007
Genre: Mystery
More info: Chief Inspector Gamache #2
Winner of 2007 Agatha Award for Best Novel
Age Range: 13+
Plot
In this second book, CC de Poitiers is found electrocuted in the middle of a curling match while the town of Three Pines prepares for Christmas. There is nothing more Canadian than curling! Armand Gamache is called in once again to help solve the crime.
Nobody liked CC and it seems like there are a lot of people who might have had a motive to kill her. The plot was great, and although I knew “whodunit”, I enjoyed every minute of this book.
While Louise Penny herself says that she does not consider her books to be cozy mystery novels, I could not leave this one off the list. With the exception of the murder soved by the Cheif inspector, this book is like a warm cup of cocoa!
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this book even more than the first one. The Canadian in me could not stop laughing at the subtle jabs at the Canadian way of living in the freezing cold winter. I mean, the cold makes your eyes feel like they will freeze in your head if you don’t blink fast enough!
Find this book in: Louise Penny Books In Order / Christmas Mystery Books / Cozy Mystery Books
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Author: Ally Carter
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
After losing her assets to her cheating ex-husband, mystery author Maggie Chase agrees to head to the home of her biggest fan for the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately for her, Ethan Wyatt, another author from her publishing house, is also along for the trip.
It turns out, they have traveled to the home of Eleanor Ashley, a prolific mystery writer (clearly inspired by Agatha Christie) who has a sprawling mansion in the middle of the countryside. During a snowstorm, she mysteriously disappears. Now Maggie and Ethan must work together to try to find her. With murder attempts around every corner and a growing attraction between our leads, this is one fun genre-bending story.
Why Kirsten loves it
Once I started this story, I couldn’t put it down! I was completely swept into the mystery, I was enchanted by the crackling chemistry between our two main characters, and the setting and snowstorm just left me craving a snowy night in. I was utterly charmed by this one and you will be too!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books 2024 / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024 / Romance Books About Books
Plot
This story is based on the premise that a different lineage has been atop the British throne. When the king drops dead from poisoning at Balmoral castle on Christmas day, the only people in the house are The King’s immediate family, the head of security, and the King’s personal chef.
Why Jackie loves it
This was a fun and quick murder mystery set at Christmas time. This who-dun-it is a fast, fun read that is perfect for the Christmas season.
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022 / Christmas Mystery Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books
Expert Tip
What is the difference between a mystery and a cozy mystery?
- Both mysteries and cozy mystery novels can have a murder but in a cozy mystery, all violence will be left to the reader’s imagination. It will not be written on the page
- In both mysteries and cozy mysteries, the murderer is caught at the end of the book
- Cozy mystery books usually have amateur sleuths. We have a few exceptions to this on our list
- Cozy mystery books often have “punny names” that often have to do with food (Like Arsenic and Adobo).
- Cozy mysteries often take place in a small town
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cozy mystery book?
A cozy mystery book is a subgenre of mystery in which violence, sexual content, or profanity occur off the page. The reader is given enough details to understand the crime without picturing the details associated with it! The setting is often in a smaller town and the detective is often an amateur sleuth.
Is Louise Penny a cozy mystery?
There are a lot of aspects of Louise Penny that are considered a cozy mystery and for this reason, we included one of the books in this list. The beginning books all take place in the small town of Three Pines. There is no murder or violence on the page. Rather, these occur “off the stage”. However, these murders are not solved by an amateur sleuth. Rather, they all involve Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. As the series continues, the books move more into the realm of psychological thriller and have themes that are much darker. Penny herself denies that her books are cozy mysteries.
Related Content
Join the Beyond the Bookends Book Club!
Looking to engage with like-minded readers and the authors of your favorite books? Join our book club!
Epilogue
The Ultimate List of Mystery Books
Love Mysteries? This is a list of the best mystery books carefully divided by sub-genre for anyone who lives a good mystery as much as I do.
