Cozy Mysteries with a Unique Twist: 5 Unconventional Series to Add to Your Reading List -

Who doesn’t love a unique twist in their cozy mysteries? I know I do! It’s one of my favorite things.

Cozy mysteries have long been a favorite for readers seeking a light-hearted escape, with their charming settings, amateur sleuths, and low-stakes suspense. But what happens when authors shake up the formula and add an unexpected twist?

The result is a subgenre that’s fresh, inventive, and perfect for readers who love surprises as much as they love a good puzzle. If you’re looking for cozy mysteries with a little something extra, check out these five series that put a unique spin on the classic whodunit.

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Cozy series with unique twists

1. The Chet and Bernie Mysteries by Spencer Quinn. Twist: A Canine Narrator. Premise: This series follows Bernie Little, a down-on-his-luck private investigator, and his loyal dog, Chet, who narrates the stories. Together, they solve crimes across their unnamed Southwestern city. Why It’s Unique: The perspective of Chet, the dog, adds humor and charm to the mysteries. His canine observations offer a fresh take on human behavior and make for an engaging, often funny read. Plus, who doesn’t love a dogged detective?

2. The Haunted Home Renovation Mysteries by Juliet Blackwell. Twist: Ghostly Encounters. Premise: Mel Turner, a contractor specializing in historic home renovations in San Francisco, finds herself communicating with ghosts and solving their mysteries to help them move on. Why It’s Unique: This series offers a spooky twist to the cozy genre, blending ghost stories with traditional mystery elements. Each renovation project comes with its own haunted history, making every book an exciting blend of mystery, history, and the supernatural.

3. Th e Bibliophile Mysteries by Kate Carlisle. Twist: Rare Books and Antique Mysteries. Premise: Brooklyn Wainwright is a rare book expert and bookbinder who finds herself entangled in murders involving valuable and historical books. Her knowledge of books and their hidden secrets helps her solve these crimes. Why It’s Unique: This series is perfect for book lovers who enjoy a good mystery. Each novel delves deep into the world of rare books, antique manuscripts, and bookbinding, combining literary history with an engaging plot.

4. The Amish Mysteries by Laura Bradford. Twist: An Amish Sleuth in a Non-Amish World. Premise: Claire Weatherly, an outsider who moves to the small Amish town of Heavenly, Pennsylvania, finds herself embroiled in local mysteries. Partnering with Jakob Fisher, a former Amish man turned police detective, she navigates the unique challenges of solving crimes in a tight-knit, traditional community. *Why It’s Unique: This series provides a fascinating look at Amish culture while weaving together complex mysteries. The juxtaposition of modern detective work and traditional Amish values adds depth and a unique perspective to the cozy mystery genre.

5. The Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by T E Kinsey. Twist: A Historical Cozy with Strong Female Leads. Premise: Set in the early 20th century, this series follows Lady Emily Hardcastle, a widowed aristocrat with a mysterious past, and her witty maid, Florence Armstrong, as they solve crimes in the English countryside. Why It’s Unique: The historical setting, combined with the dynamic between Lady Hardcastle and her maid, makes this series stand out. It’s a delightful mix of period drama and cozy mystery, with strong female characters and sharp dialogue.

What’s your favorite unique twist?

What’s your favorite twist? Personally, I love the Bibliophile Mysteries by Kate Carlisle!

These series, with unique twists, offer a fresh take on the genre. From canine detectives to haunted home renovators and amateur sleuths in unique communities, these books prove that there’s more than one way to solve a mystery.

So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and dive into these unconventional series—you might just discover a new favorite twist on the classic cozy mystery!

Happy reading!

**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!)