Tag: Valerie Burns

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:

• A Bad Luck Cat Mysteries by Kay Finch
• California Bookshop Mysteries by Samara Yew – Adoption representation
• Beloved Bookroom Mysteries by Dorothy St. James
• Hometown Hardware Mysteries by Paula Charles
• Kitty Couture by Julie Chase
• Literary Pub Mysteries by Sarah Fox
• Lakeside Library Mysteries by Holly Danvers
• Oregon Honeycomb Mysteries by Nancy Coco
• Bailey the Bloodhound Mysteries by Kallie E Benjamin– Literacy representation
• Magical Menagerie Mysteries by Sarah Fox – Magical not really paranormal
• The Secrets of Castleton Manor Library Mysteries by Various Authors

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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.