My Favorites

My 25 Favorite Cozy Mystery Series

Cozies are the best and it’s hard to pick my top 25 series. Here they are in no particular order.

These are my favorite cozy mysteries series of all time and I highly recommend them all if you like what you read in the synopsis! These are cozy mystery series that I wanted to read because of the theme or setting so these series may not appeal to all cozy mystery readers.

Magical Cats by Sofie Kelly

The cats have magical abilities in this series but it’s not really paranormal. If you don’t like paranormal cozies still give this one a try. The cats’ abilities add to the plots of the mysteries. The cats also have a lot of everyday cat scenes.

A Cats in Trouble by Leann Sweeney

I love the relationship between the main character with her BFF, Tom, and Shawn. The annoying character Lydia really adds to the series for me. There are a lot of cat scenes. Trigger warning: the cats are sometimes put into upsetting situations but no cats are harmed in this series.

The Cat in the Stacks by Miranda James

I love this series for all the small details the author adds. The main character Charlie Harris (male) and Diesel the cat are very endearing characters. Melba, Charlie’s good friend adds to the mysteries since she knows all of the gossip. The Chief Kanesha Berry is a unique and is a stand out character being a woman in that role. There is LGBTQ + representation. Southern Ladies is a spin off series featuring the Ducote sisters and that is also great.

A Black Cat Bookshop by Ali Brandon

This series brings in a lot of unique characters that you grow to love. Also, one of the reveals is very clever. Hamlet the cat is one of the most unique cat characters in a cozy mystery. He pulls books off of the shelves at the bookshop to help Darla solve the mysteries. I love all of the side characters as well. This series takes place in Brooklyn New York but still has a very cozy, close knit community feel to it.

Bookmobile Cat by Laurie Cass

The main character reminds me of Nancy Drew. There was a reveal in one of the early books that when I listened to the audiobook in the car, I almost ran off the road. The mysteries in this series are always top notch and satisfying.

Second Chance Cat by Sofie Ryan

I love the multi-generational aspect of this series. The group of senior citizen sleuths really adds to the series and shows that we are vital as we grow older. Elvis the cat has a lot of fun scenes. He even goes undercover at a Cat Show in one of the books.

Paws and Claws by Krista Davis

Wagtail is the fictional town I’d most like to live in. It caters to animals even in the shops and restaurants. The food descriptions are yummy even though this isn’t marketed as a foodie cozy mystery. Foodies would love this one.

Pancake House Mysteries by Sarah Fox

Book 1 kept me very interested in this series/mystery from the beginning. The side characters especially the ones that work at the Pancake House keep this series very interesting. Book 8 is very emotional too.

Noodle Shop Mysteries by Vivien Chien

I love the authors writing style. The amateur sleuth starts out not knowing how to investigate crime which is how all cozies should start in my opinion. Adam, Megan, Kimmie, and all of the other side characters add so much to this series. I also have learned a lot about Asian culture that I didn’t know before.

Seaside Café Mysteries by Bree Baker

There are some magical elements but nothing too over the top or paranormal. This one has a delightful romance in it. Have some lemon cake on hand, Just trust me on this!

Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries by Jacqueline Frost

This one is filled with Christmas and has runined me for other Christmas cozies. There is a delightful romance in it. Also, there are some intriguing mysteries and stories with side characters. The Christmas Tree Farm is a great setting for a cozy with a little suspense in it.

The Family Skeleton Mysteries by Leigh Perry

Sid is a very endearing and unique character. The most unique character that I’ve read in a cozy mystery. You must be able to suspend disbelief but Sid adds a lot to the series. Also, the main character is an adjunct professor and you get a glimpse into that profession which I knew nothing about but it intrigued me. The main character is a single mother and has a daughter Daisy.

Nick and Nora Mysteries by TC LoTempio

Nick is the most unique cat in a cozy mystery series. He loves to help the sleuths with scrabble tiles and surfing the internet. There are some additional overaching mysteries surrounding his previous owners that is unique and extremely intriguing to me. Trigger warnings: mild profanity, mild sexual innuendo, tarot card reading, some mild crime scene talk

Cranberry Cove Mysteries by Peg Cochran

I love the different type of representation in this series and how the author writes the relationship between characters in a surprising way. You also learn a lot about cranberry harvesting.

Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah

Welly the dog is very endearing. The seasonal/holiday themed books really get me in the mood for that holiday. Some of the reveals in this series have been very interesting and something that would be very hard to solve. Kennedy the best friend can be annoying but sometimes adds a lot of humor to the mystery.

Lighthouse Library Mysteries by Eva Gates

All of the characters in this series add to the mysteries. My favorite character is of course Charles the cat. The setting of the lighthouse and all of it’s challenges add to the mysteries. Trigger warning: ghost stories, short love triangle (everything turns out ok in the end)

Little Dog Diner Mysteries by Emmie Lyn

The Jack Russell Terrier Pip is the best. Pip wears stylish doggie scarves. I love the main characters relationship with her grandma. I also love how the community comes together for each other. The mysteries have all been very interesting and keep me wanting to turn the pages.

A Horse Rescue Mysteries by Amber Camp

I love that the Horse Rescue is a very unique theme for a cozy mystery. You learn a lot about the horse rescue especially in book 2. The author’s writing style keeps you on the edge of your seat. I was shocked at the reveal in book 1. Love the side characters especially Tanner and Biscuit the donkey. Trigger warning: Book 2 does go more in depth in the horse rescue but it is handled well.

Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly

I love the main character and how she cares about everyone. She always wants to see justice done. This series always has great mysteries and makes me crave grilled cheese sandwiches.

Christie Bookshop Mysteries by Ann Claire

Interesting setting and location for a bookshop which adds to the ambiance and mysteries. I’ve never been a fan of Agatha Christie but I do love that the sisters are such big fans of the author. The Christie sisters and their relationship is a delight. Agatha C. Christie is the best.

Cheese Shop Mysteries by Korina Moss

I really like the main character, the side characters, and the mysteries. Every book in this series plesantly surprises me. Team Cheese has become a group to reckon with as the series goes on.

True Confections Mysteries by Sarah Fox

This series has a likeable main character, great side characters, a very unique setting, and romance that is chef’s kiss. There is light LGBTQ + representation. Not to mention two fantastic cats.

Baker Street Mysteries by Valerie Burns

This series has a main character that grows a lot in the first book and in the series as a whole. I love all of the side characters and the neurodivergent representation in this series. There is also an overarching mystery that is very intriguing and I’m a sucker for that in cozy mysteries. I also love the setting on Lake Michigan.

Maple Syrup Mysteries by Catherine Bruns

A main character that comes back for her family and find out the truth. She turns running her family’s farm into her passion. Wonderful descriptions of the maple syrup farm and how you harvest maple syrup. Trigger warning: infertility book 2 and 3.

The Shake Shop Mysteries by Dana Mentink

When I read the synopsis of this book I wasn’t convinced it was for me but a friend read it and loved it so I gave it a try. I was so glad I did. It has great characters, a interesting setting, Neurodivergent representation, a little romance, and captivating mysteries. All of the books had me on the edge of my seat wondering who dunnit.

Honorable Mentions:

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What are your favorite cozy mystery series of all time? Did any of the series I mentioned get on your all time favorite cozy mystery list? Please leave a comment.

My Favorites

All Of The New To Me Cozy Mystery Series I Read In 2024 and My Top 4

These are all of the new cozy mystery series I read in 2024. If the synopsis sounds good to you, I recommend you pick them up. I enjoyed all of them!

My top 4 new to me cozy mystery series in 2024 are Cranberry Cove by Peg Cochran, Pancake House Mysteries by Sarah Fox, True Confections by Sarah Fox, and The Lighthouse Library by Eva Gates.

What are some new to you cozy mystery series you read in 2024? Please leave a comment.

My Favorites

My Favorite Cozy Mystery Main Characters

Charlie Harris – The Cat in the Stacks by Miranda James

  • Loves and takes great care of his cat Diesel.
  • Gives tender loving care to Helen Louise.
  • Loves his children and grandchildren.
  • Librarian and mystery reader.
  • Takes in boarders and cares about them.
  • Says a silent blessing for people.

Jillian Hart – A Cat’s in Trouble by LeAnn Sweeney

  • Always sees the good in people even if everyone else sees only the bad.
  • Accepts help from people.
  • Gives help to people especially surrounding animals.
  • Has BFF that is younger than her.
  • Took in a woman she didn’t know that was in trouble.
  • Has her own business.

Monica Albertson – Cranberry Cove by Peg Cochran

  • Has a good relationship with her step mom so her half brother can have both of them in his life.
  • Had to go back home to help her brother but made the best of it starting a bakery/shop at the bog.

Sarah Greyson – Second Chance Cat by Sofie Ryan

  • Has friends of all ages.
  • Helps her elders.
  • Takes care of and understands her cat Elvis.
  • Has her own business.

Nora Charles – Nick and Nora Mysteries by TC LoTempio

  • Has dreams and acheives them.
  • Take care of and understands Nick the cat even though she can’t care for a plant.
  • Had to go back home to run her family business but made the best of it writing for Noir.

Marla McKinney – A Pancake House Mysteries by Sarah Fox

  • Cares a lot for her employees and considers them friends.
  • She cares about others needs even in times she is is need like when she was searching for Tommy.

Everly Swan – Seaside Cafe by Bree Baker

  • Gave up her desires to get married so she doesn’t put that man in danger.
  • Helps her elders.
  • Has her own business.

Who are your favorite main characters in cozy mysteries and why? Please leave a comment.

My Favorites

My Favorite Cozy Mystery Settings

What is a setting? The time (past, present, or future), place, and environment a story takes place. It can be real or fantasy or a combination of both.  

  • Small Towns
  • Big cities with community feels
  • US especially Midwest (Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, etc.) and Northeast (Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, etc. )
  • Libraries (public, college, etc.)
  • Near bodies of water especially Lake Michigan and ocean and bays
  • Lighthouses
  • Farms (Christmas Tree, Maple Syrup, Fruit, etc) and Cranberry Bog
  • Present Day
  • Real not fantasy

What are your favorite cozy mystery settings? I’d love to know. Please leave a comment.

My Favorites

My Favorite Occupations In Cozy Mysteries

Librarian

  • A Lighthouse Library Mysteries by Eva Gates
  • Magical Cats by Sofie Kelly
  • Library Lovers by Jenn McKinlay
  • Bookmobile Cat by Laurie Cass
  • Lakeside Library Mysteries by Holly Danvers
  • Larkspur Library Mysteries by Leah Dobrinska
  • Cat in the Stacks by Miranda James
  • Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M Sanders
  • A Beloved Bookroom Mysteries by Dorothy St. James
  • North Dakota Library Mysteries by Ellen Jacobson
  • Village Library Mysteries by Elizabeth Spann Craig

Bookshop Owner/Manager

  • Black Cat Bookshop by Ali Brandon
  • Christie Bookshop by Ann Claire
  • Magical Bokshop by Amanda Flower
  • A Witches Brew by Gretchen Rue
  • Sherlock Holmes Bookshop by Vicki Delany

Lodge/B&B/Inn Owner/Manager

  • Paws and Claws by Krista Davis
  • Mountain Lodge Mysteries by Diane Kelly
  • Northwoods Mysteries by Annie McEwen

Restaurant/Cafe/Food Shop Owner/Manager

  • A Pancake House by Sarah Fox
  • Literary Pub by Sarah Fox
  • Little Dog Diner by Emmie Lyn
  • Noodle Shop by Vivien Chien
  • Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly
  • Nick and Nora Mysteries by TC LoTempio
  • Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley
  • Cheese Shop by Korina Moss

Farm/Orchard Owner/Manager

  • Maple Syrup Farms by Catherine Bruns
  • Christmas Tree Farm by Jacqueline Frost
  • Cranberry Cove by Peg Cochran
  • A Cider Shop Mysteries by Julie Anne Lindsay
  • Beekeeping Mysteries by Jennie Marts

Bakery/Candy Shop Owner/Manager

  • Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah
  • Baker Street Mysteries by Valerie Burns
  • True Confections by Sarah Fox
  • Cookie Shop Mysteries by Debra Sennefelder
  • Cupcake Bakery by Jenn McKinlay

Do you have any cozy mystery series to add to my lists? What are your favorite occupations in cozy mysteries? Please leave a comment.

My Favorites

My Favorite Cozy Mystery Sleuthing Teams/Groups

Charlotte’s Angels

Team Cheese

Cozy Capers Book Group

Red Inkers

The Hive

Who are your favorite sleuthing teams? What sleuthing team would you like to see in a cozy mystery? Please leave a comment.

My Favorites

My Favorite Cozy Mystery Side Characters/BFFs

Candace

Baz – What the Huckleberry?

Tanner

Robert

Ollie

Stewart

Megan

Julia

Who is your favorite side characters/BFFs in a cozy mystery? Please leave a comment.

My Favorites

My Favorite Cozy Mystery Animal Companions

Cats and dogs are wonderful but what about a parrot or a donkey. Check them out below.

Nick the Tuxedo Cat

Elvis the Black Cat

Biscuit the Donkey

Belle the African Grey Parrot

Wellington the Newfoundland Dog

Pip the Jack Russell Terrier

Who are your favorite cozy mystery animal companions? Please leave a comment.

Cozy Mystery Theme, My Favorites

My Cozy Mystery Buzzwords

What are your Cozy Mystery Buzzwords? Below are some of my favorites and some series that I’ve read and have on my TBR for each buzzword.

Cat

  • Magical Cats by Sofie Kelly
  • Second Chance Cat by Sofie Ryan
  • Bad Luck Cat by Kay Finch
  • Cat Bookmobile by Laurie Cass
  • Cat in the Stacks by Miranda James
  • Black Cat Bookshop by Ali Brandon
  • Cats in Trouble by Leann Sweeney
  • Paws and Claws by Krista Davis
  • Deputy Donut by Ginger Bolton
  • Seaside Café by Bree Baker
  • Kitty Couture by Julie Chase
  • Cranberry Cove by Peg Cochran
  • Oregon Honeycomb by Nancy Coco
  • The Village Library by Elizabeth Spann Craig
  • Sunny and Shadow by Claire Donally
  • Magical Bookshop by Amanda Flowers
  • The Cats and Curios by Rebecca M Hale
  • Southern Ladies by Miranda James
  • Mountain Lodge by Diane Kelly
  • Bonnie and Clyde by Julie Anne Lindsay
  • Nick and Nora by TC LoTempio
  • Witches Brew by Gretchen Rue
  • Knit and Nibble by Peggy Ehrhart
  • Sewing Studio Mystery Dorothy Howell
  • Sherlock Holmes Bookshop by Vicki Delany
  • Spellford Cove by Samantha Silver

Dog

  • Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah
  • Paws and Claws by Krista Davis
  • Library Lovers by Jenn McKinlay
  • Mystery Bookshop by VM Burns
  • Paw Enforcement by Diane Kelly

Library/Bookmobile/Librarian

  • Magical Cats by Sofie Kelly
  • Library Lover by Jenn McKinlay
  • Cat in the Stacks by Miranda James
  • Cat Bookmobile by Laurie Cass
  • The Village Library by Elizabeth Spann Craig
  • Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers
  • Southern Sewing Circle by Elizabeth Lynn Casey
  • Bookmobile Mystery by Laurie Cass

Bookshop

  • Black Cat Bookshop by Ali Brandon
  • Magical Bookshop by Amanda Flowers
  • Mystery Bookshop by VM Burns
  • Sherlock Holmes Bookshop by Vicki Delany

Lighthouse

  • Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah
  • Lighthouse Library by Eva Gates

Fruit

  • Cranberry Cove by Peg Cochran
  • A Very Cherry Mystery by Darci Hannah
  • A Cider Shop Mystery by Julie Anne Lindsay

Lake/Ocean

  • Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah
  • Cranberry Cove by Peg Cochran
  • Isabel Puddles MV Burns
  • Shepard Sisters by Tracey Gardner
  • Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers
  • Seaside Cafe by Bree Baker

What are your cozy mystery buzzwords? Do you have any series to add to my lists? Please leave a comment.