Cozy Mystery Theme

Cat Characters You Must Meet

Diesel – Maine Coon – Cat In The Stacks by Miranda James

The ultimate emotional support cat that goes everywhere with you!

Hamlet – Black Cat – Black Cat Bookshop by Ali Brandon

He has a knack for knocking just the right book off the shelf to help solve the crime!

Owen and Hercules – Feral Cats – Magical Cats by Sofie Kelly

Two superhero cats that help their human foil the villains!

Nick – Tuxedo Cat – Nick and Nora Mysteries by TC LoTempio

How about a nice game of scrabble or maybe solve a murder with Scrabble tiles?

Hitchcock -Black Cat – Bad Luck Cat by Kay Finch

The bad luck cat is good luck for solving murders!

Elvis – Black Cat – Second Chance Cat by Sofie Ryan

He is more like a human than the humans!

Do you agree with my list? What cozy mystery cat characters do you think I need to meet? Please leave a comment.

Cozy Mystery Theme

Cozy Mystery Series That Hooked Me At Book 1

Do you agree with any cozy mystery series on my list? What cozy mystery series hooked you at book 1? Please leave a comment.

Cozy Mystery Article

Cozy Mystery Dream Team

What amateur sleuth, best friend, cozy companion (animal), and love interest would make your cozy mystery dream team and why?

Amateur Sleuth – I had to cheat on this and say Charlotte’s Angels and Sarah Grayson from the Second Chance Cat mystery series by Sofie Ryan – I know when they are on the case it will be solved.

Best Friend – Megan from The Noodle Shop series by Vivien Chien – She is always there for Lana even if she wants to do something crazy like meet with a murderer. Plus, she got Lana a book on how to investigate crimes. That was the best! I’m like why don’t other amateur sleuths get a book on how to investigate crimes.

Cozy Companion – Hercules and Owen from Magical Cats mystery series by Sofie Kelly – their abilities to disappear and walk through walls and doors could come in handy to apprehend the murderer. Plus, they are super loyal to Kathleen and want to help her solve the crimes. We will have to have a lot of sardine crackers on hand to keep them happy though.

Love Interest – Mike “Sully” Sullivan from Library Lovers mystery series by Jenn McKinlay – He’s my fictional boyfriend LOL. He was in the military and always ends up getting Lyndsey out of trouble so he is a good love interest to have.

What is your Cozy Mystery Dream Team? Please leave a comment.

Author Spotlight

Author Spotlight – Darlene Ryan/Sofie Kelly/Sofie Ryan

Magical Cats Mysteries by Sofie Kelly

This is the first cozy mystery series I ever read so it’s near and dear to my heart which is why I decided to start my author spotlight series with this author!

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.

Second Chance Cat Mysteries 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. There is also a teenager to add to this series as well as every age in between. Elvis the cat has a lot of fun scenes. He even goes undercover at a Cat Show in one of the books.

Above may be affiliate links and we earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Thank you very much for supporting our blog!

To Learn More About This Author: https://sofiekelly.com/

Have you read either of these series? What do you think of them? Please leave a comment.

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.

2024 New Releases

New Release Cozy Mysteries I Read in September 2024

I loved the mystery in this book. It revolved around art and brings back a few characters from previous books which made it interesting. The reveal was very different in this book than in most cozies which was refreshing and exciting. The end was very heartwarming in many different ways. Owen and Hercules are fantastic as always!

I loved it! This is a great cozy for Halloween spooky season. Just look at the cover. The mystery and clues kept me on the edge of my seat. Nick the cat worked his magic as usual. This mystery was so well written I was trying to work it out on my own and did make some head way. There was a little more detail to the manner of death in this one since it was so unusual. That may turn some readers of cozies off but for me the series is so good I got through it. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this series! It’s a top favorite of mine!

I loved book 1 and 2 in this series but this book was a little diappointing. I loved the birding theme (which is my other hobby besides reading cozies) but there wasn’t enough Bob the cat and was too much witchy stuff. The witchy stuff went too far for me in this book so sadly I’m DNFing the series. It’s still a solid book and series if you like paranormal/witchy cozies.

What new releases did you read in September? What are your thoughts on them? Please leave a comment.

2024 New Releases

New Cozy Mysteries – September 2024

Coming out on September 1, 2024

Coming out on September 3, 2024

Coming out on September 3, 2024

Coming out on September 3, 2024

Coming out on September 4, 2024

Coming out on September 5, 2024

Coming out on September 5, 2024

Coming out on September 10, 2024

Coming out on September 13, 2024

Coming out on September 13, 2024

Coming out on September 15, 2024

Coming out on September 17, 2024

Coming out on September 20, 2024

Coming out on September 24, 2024

Coming out on September 24, 2024

Coming out on September 30, 2024 – the author is Courtagonist on YouTube

Coming out on September 30, 2024

I’m looking forward to Furever After, Bell, Book, and Corpses, Death on Deck, and The Grim Steeper. What new releases cozy mysteries are you looking forward to in September? Please leave a comment.

Cozy Mystery Theme

Cozy Mysteries Featuring Libraries

What reader doesn’t love to go to the library. If you can’t get out to the library, here are some cozy mysteries that will make you feel like you are there.

What are your favorite library cozy mysteries? How often do you go to the library? Please leave a comment.

Cozy Mystery Article

How I Discovered Cozy Mysteries, My First Cozy Mystery Series, and Library Love

I first discovered cozy mysteries in the New Release section of my local public library. I was just looking for my next read and the punny title and cute cover drew me in.

My first cozy mystery series is Magical Cats by Sofie Kelly. This series is still amongst my favorites of all time. It has some of my favorite themes cats and library. When I mention this series to others they often ask me if this is a kid or adult series.

I love the public library. There is something magical and enchanting about finding the right book to suit my mood. Reading a book is like embarking on an adventure to me.

How did you discover cozy mysteries? What was the first cozy mystery series you read? Do you love the library as much as I do? Please leave a comment.

Cozy Mystery Theme

My Favorite Couples in Cozy Mysteries

***Disclaimer – This post may contain spoilers for these series!

Lyndsey and Sully

Kathleen and Marcus

Monica and Greg

Lana and Adam

Sarah and Mac

Everly and Grady

Holly and Evan

Dani and Luke

Jillian and Tom

What are your favorite couples in cozy mysteries? Please leave a comment below.