10 Must-Read Cozy Mystery Series for Every Mystery Lover -

If you’re a cozy mystery reader, then you probably have a favorite cozy mystery series! There’s nothing quite like a cozy to brighten your day, offering just the right blend of suspense, humor, and charm.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or a newcomer looking for a place to start, these 10 cozy mystery series are guaranteed to keep you reading. From amateur sleuths to quirky small towns, these books are perfect for anyone who loves a good whodunit without the gruesome details.

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10 must-read cozy mystery series to add to your reading list!

Amanda Flower is one of my favorite cozy authors! She has multiple series – my favorite being the Magical Bookshop Mysteries. Premise – Rushing home to sit by her ailing grandmother’s bedside, Violet Waverly is shocked to find Grandma Daisy the picture of perfect health. Violet doesn’t need to read between the lines: her grandma wants Violet back home and working in her magical store, Charming Books. It’s where the perfect book tends to fly off the shelf and pick you! Why read it? It’s fun and quirky, and it has a cat!

Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen Mysteries are very popular! Premise – Hannah Swensen, a bakery owner in the small town of Lake Eden, Minnesota, finds herself in the middle of local murder mysteries while juggling her business and personal life. Why Read It? With delicious descriptions of baked goods (and recipes included in the books!), this series offers a sweet treat for both mystery lovers and foodies. Hannah’s tenacity and the charm of a small-town community make for a delightful read.

The Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs. Premise – Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina, becomes an amateur sleuth after a string of crimes in her picturesque town. Why Read It? It’s set in the historic district of Charleston and offers rich descriptions of tea culture, Southern charm, and compelling mysteries. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy a soothing blend of tea and crime-solving.

Another favorite cozy mystery series is The Bibliophile Mysteries by Kate Carlisle. Premise – Brooklyn Wainwright, a rare book expert and bookbinder, finds herself investigating murders involving rare books and manuscripts. Why Read It? It’s perfect for book lovers! This series combines fascinating insights into the world of rare books with clever mysteries.

We can’t forget The Mrs. Murphy Series by Rita Mae Brown (with Sneaky Pie Brown). Premise – Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, a postmistress in Virginia, solves mysteries with the help of her clever cat, Mrs. Murphy, and other animal friends. Why Read It? Co-authored by Brown’s real-life cat, this series adds a unique twist by including the perspectives of the animal characters. It’s a fun and furry take on the cozy mystery genre that animal lovers will adore.

You may notice that I love cozy mystery series with animals in them! 🙂

More cozy series

The Meg Langslow Mysteries by Donna Andrews. Premise – Meg Langslow, a blacksmith with a knack for solving crimes, finds herself constantly drawn into mysteries in her quirky Virginia town. Why Read It? This series is known for its humor, unique protagonist, and eccentric cast of characters. The writing is witty and lighthearted, making it a great option for readers who enjoy a fun, fast-paced mystery. Donna Andrews is a prolific cozy mystery author!

Richard Osman writes the Thursday Murder Club Mysteries. I have one in my TBR pile, and I hear they’re fantastic! Premise – In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes; together, they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club. Why Read It? I want to read it because it’s about older people! Reviews say it makes getting older fun!

Jenn McKinlay writes mystery and romance. Her cozy mystery series, Library Lover’s Mysteries, is very popular! Premise – Lindsey is getting into her groove as the director of the Briar Creek Public Library when a New York editor visits town, creating quite a buzz. Lindsey’s friend Beth wants to sell the editor her children’s book, but Beth’s boyfriend, a famous author, gets in the way. When they go to confront him, he’s found murdered—and Beth is the prime suspect. Lindsey has to act fast—before they throw the book at the wrong person. Why Read It? It’s about a library! 😉

The Agatha Raisin Series by M.C. Beaton. Premise – Agatha Raisin, a former London PR executive, moves to a quaint village in the Cotswolds hoping for a quiet life but soon finds herself embroiled in local murder mysteries. Why Read It? With its sharp-witted, often grumpy heroine and humorous take on village life, this series is a delightful blend of wit, suspense, and small-town drama. The quirky characters and the charming English countryside setting add an extra layer of enjoyment.

Obviously, I can’t leave out the queen of crime (and cozy mysteries) – Agatha Christie!

What’s your favorite cozy mystery series?

These ten cozy mystery series offer something for every reader. They transport you to a world where every mystery can be solved with a bit of wit, charm, and community spirit. Grab a cup of coffee, curl up in your favorite chair, and dive into the delightful world of cozy mysteries!

And let me know what your favorite series or author is!

Happy sleuthing!

**This October, I’m diving deep into the world of cozy mysteries! Check out my other cozy posts:

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery, Birds Alive!, released Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)