Last Updated on April 22, 2026
Cozy mystery books have long been a favourite for readers who enjoy a gentle mystery without the graphic details often found in crime fiction.
These stories tend to focus on amateur sleuths solving crimes in small towns or tightly-knit communities, where friendships, gossip, and a good cup of tea are all part of the charm.
But what’s better than one cozy crime mystery? Answer: A whole series of them!!
Who doesn’t love finding a superb book only to learn that there are to sink your teeth into.
So with that in mind, here’s a list of some of the best that you can start reading right now.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
One of the most beloved cozy mystery series out there, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is set in Botswana and follows the life of Precious Ramotswe, the first female private detective in the country.
Precious’s cases often revolve around solving minor disputes and mysteries within her local community, though occasionally she takes on more serious matters.
The setting of Botswana, with its vivid descriptions of the landscape and culture, is a big draw for readers. There are more than 20 books in this series, giving you plenty to enjoy.
The series is known for its humour and gentle pace, making it the perfect antidote to high-stakes thrillers.
Each book contains lots of little cases that Mma Ramotswe must solve as she tries to build her agency.
Hannah Swensen Mysteries by Joanne Fluke
The Hannah Swensen Mysteries by Joanne Fluke is a cozy crime series set in the small town of Lake Eden, Minnesota.
The series follows Hannah Swensen, a baker who runs a local shop called The Cookie Jar.
When she’s not baking delicious treats, Hannah finds herself caught up in solving murders that occur around town.
Despite not being a professional detective, her sharp intuition and curiosity often lead her to outsmart the local police.
A key appeal of the series is the mix of baking and mystery. Each book includes several recipes, allowing readers to try out the delicious cookies Hannah whips up in the story.
The combination of culinary coziness with light-hearted crime-solving has earned the series a dedicated following.
You’ll enjoy the small-town atmosphere, the recurring cast of quirky characters, and the slow-burn romance subplot involving Hannah’s love triangle with the town’s dentist, Norman, and the local detective, Mike.
Fluke’s writing style is simple and straightforward, making the series easy to read and perfect for fans of gentle mysteries.
The series began in 2000 with Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder and has since expanded to over 25 books and has also been adapted into Hallmark movies.
The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams
The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams is a cozy mystery series set in the small town of Miracle Springs, North Carolina.
The story revolves around Nora Pennington, a bookstore owner who forms a close-knit group with three other women: Estella, June, and Hester.
Each woman has a painful secret from her past, which brings them together as they bond over books, baked goods, and their shared struggles.
The series begins with Nora prescribing the perfect book to help others heal. However, when a local businessman is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Nora and her new friends form the Secret, Book & Scone Society to solve the mystery.
Together, they use their unique talents and deep understanding of people to uncover hidden truths, all while dealing with their personal trauma.
As of now, the series has seven books and with a blend of small-town charm, literary references, and compelling mysteries, this series is for readers who enjoy an emotionally rich take on the cozy mystery genre.
Molly Gray Mysteries by Nita Prose
The Molly Gray Mysteries by Nita Prose is a cozy crime series that debuted with The Maid in 2022.
The series follows Molly Gray, a socially awkward yet endearing young woman who works as a hotel maid. Molly’s unusual outlook on life, combined with her straightforward nature and difficulty interpreting social cues, makes her both a charming and unconventional protagonist.
Her dedication to cleaning and order reflects her desire to make sense of the world, which often feels confusing to her.
In The Maid, Molly’s life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers a wealthy guest dead in his hotel room. Due to her odd behavior and being at the wrong place at the wrong time, she becomes the prime suspect in the murder.
Despite her innocence, Molly finds herself entangled in the mystery and must use her keen observational skills to solve the crime.
The mysteries are cleverly written, but it’s Molly’s growth as a character and her journey to better understand herself and others that gives the story its emotional core.
To date there are two books, a Christmas themed novella and third book on the way in 2025.
Finlay Donovan by Elle Cosimano
The Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano is a fun, fast-paced mystery series that blends humour, suspense, and quirky characters.
The series follows Finlay Donovan, a struggling single mother and author who accidentally gets mistaken for a hitwoman while discussing the plot of her latest crime novel with her literary agent.
When she’s offered a large sum of money to “take care” of someone, Finlay suddenly finds herself entangled in a dangerous world of real-life crime.
The first book, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It (2021), sets the tone for the series, introducing readers to Finlay’s chaotic life as she juggles motherhood, a demanding ex-husband, and a stalled writing career.
Each book in the series combines laugh-out-loud moments with high-stakes mysteries, keeping readers hooked with clever twists and turns.
With five books in the series, the books offers a lighthearted approach to crime, making it a unique entry in the cozy mystery genre.
Hawthorne and Horowitz by Anthony Horowitz
The Hawthorne and Horowitz series by Anthony Horowitz is a clever, meta-style mystery series where the author himself is a character.
The story revolves around a unique partnership between former police detective Daniel Hawthorne and Anthony Horowitz, who plays a fictionalised version of himself as a writer.
This unconventional duo works together to solve complex murder cases, with Horowitz documenting their investigations.
The series begins with The Word is Murder (2017), in which Hawthorne is hired to investigate a bizarre murder, and he recruits Horowitz to write a book about his cases.
As the stories unfold, the relationship between the two grows more complex, with Horowitz constantly trying to figure out the mysterious and secretive Hawthorne while also grappling with his role in solving the crimes.
What sets this series apart is its meta-narrative style. Horowitz blurs the line between fiction and reality by inserting himself into the stories, adding a unique layer of self-awareness.
The mysteries themselves are intricate, with classic “whodunit” elements reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie, full of red herrings, twists, and surprising conclusions.
As of now, the series has five books but Horowitz has stated that he hopes to write 12 to complete the stories.
Jodie Parker Mysteries by Fiona Leitch
The Jodie Parker Mystery series by Fiona Leitch is a cozy crime series that centres around Jodie “Nosey” Parker, a former police officer turned caterer in the idyllic Cornish village of Penstowan.
After leaving her hectic career in the Metropolitan Police to raise her daughter in a quieter setting, Jodie finds herself repeatedly drawn back into solving local mysteries, despite her new focus on cooking and catering.
The first book, A Cornish Christmas Murder (2020), introduces Jodie’s new life, where she hopes to enjoy peace and quiet but quickly gets involved in investigating crimes, usually alongside her old police contacts.
Her skills as a former detective, combined with her ability to be in the right (or wrong) place at the right time, make her an invaluable, albeit unofficial, sleuth in the community.
What sets this series apart is Jodie’s witty, down-to-earth personality and her strong relationship with her teenage daughter Daisy, as well as her developing romance with local detective Nathan Withers.
Fiona Leitch’s writing is lighthearted with engaging mysteries, and mouthwatering descriptions of food, making the series a treat for fans of cozy mysteries with a culinary twist.
Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries by T A Williams
This mystery series by T.A. Williams features retired British detective Daniel Armstrong and his loyal black Labrador, Oscar, as they solve crimes in the idyllic settings of the Italian countryside.
After leaving the police force, Armstrong heads to Tuscany for a writer’s retreat only to find himself once again solving a murder.
Loving the Italian way of life, Dan decides to move to Italy permanently and is soon helping the local police solve crimes.
T.A. Williams’ writing is incredibly engaging, blending classic whodunit elements with the peaceful, picturesque backdrop of rural Florence. T
he series also stands out for its well-crafted mysteries, which keep readers guessing while maintaining a lighthearted tone that cozy mystery fans love.
If you love to play along and guess whodunit then this series of books is for you.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer the tranquil settings of small towns or the bustling streets of historical cities, cozy mysteries offer a relaxing escape from the hectic pace of life.
Each of these series has its unique appeal, whether it’s a charming animal sidekick, a bookish heroine, or an iconic detective.
If you’re ready to read one of these mysteries, many of them are available for download on popular platforms or for purchase in bookstores.
With millions of copies sold and award-winning stories, these series are perfect for anyone who loves a cozy crime adventure.
