Do you love a good cozy mystery? Today I am not only sharing some great cozy mysteries, but some great cozy mystery series. That means if you love the first book in the series you will have plenty more to read next.
A cozy mystery series is definitely a good thing!
What is the meaning of cozy mystery?
I am not sure if there is an exact definition for cozy mystery. It seems like there are slightly different opinions on that. But in general a cozy mystery is a mystery without all the gory and graphic details and there is some romance, but it is usually considered clean romance.
For years I said that I didn’t really enjoy reading mysteries, but than I discovered the world of cozy mysteries. I discovered that I loved mystery books that contained a great mystery without all the graphic murder details.
Because I love cozy mysteries I put together a list of my favorite cozy mystery series.
If you have read any of these I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Or if you have a cozy mystery book or series that you love leave a comment letting us know.
Cozy Mystery Series
Lady Hardcastle Mystery Series
The Lady Hardcastle books are another fun mystery series, that contain good mystery without all the graphic details. There are five books in the series so far. I just finished the sixth book and I hope the author writes more in this series. The series takes place in England during the early 1900’s. The main characters are an English widow and her maid.
Gilded Newport Mystery Series
In the Gilded Newport Mystery series, reporter Emma Cross lives in Rhode Island. She is a distant relative of the Vanderbilt family, but lives a more normal everyday life than her wealthy relatives. However, as a relative to the Vanderbilt family, she often mixes with the high society life of the Gilded Age. Emma is a strong character who is often at the wrong place at the wrong time. Murder and mystery seem to follow her and her circle of wealthy family and friends.
Charles Lenox Mystery Series
I first heard about the Charles Lenox Mystery books by Charles Finch in a magazine that was reviewing of one of the books in this series. It briefly mentioned the book and the author. Something about the article made me want to give one of the books a try and I immediately bought one. I am so glad that I did! In the last couple of years I have read eleven of the thirteen books in the series. I have the last two books, but have been saving them for a quiet weekend or vacation read.
Victorian Bookshop Mystery Series
A reader introduced me to The Vanishing Thief which is the first book in the Victorian Bookshop Mystery Series. I am so glad that they did. I loved this book and quickly finished all the books in this series. Georgia Fenchurch appears to be an unassuming bookseller in Victorian London, but she is actually a member of the Archivist Society, a secret association of private investigators. You may have noticed a theme with several of these series. They are all cozy mysteries set in England and they are all fun reads.
Girl Waits with Gun
My daughter and I have both enjoyed this series. Girl Waits with Gun is the first book in the series and it is our favorite, but the whole series has been fun to read. This book, and the whole series, is based on the the story of one of America’s first female deputy sheriffs. This series is probably not considered a true cozy mystery. It is more of a historical mystery or humorous mystery, but since it doesn’t have graphic details I tend to put it under the cozy mystery category.
Picture Miss Seeton
Picture Miss Seeton is the first book in a new mystery series that I found and have loved. I have only read the first book in the series, but I can’t wait to read more of them. It was an interesting mystery the kept my attention without all the graphic and gory details. Miss Emily D. Seeton is a retired art teacher who recently inherited a cottage in Plummergen village. She witnesses a stabbing and she sets out to solve it using her sketch pad and umbrella.
Aurora Teagarden
If you like the Hallmark movies that feature Aurora Teagarden I think you will love these. The books are way better than the movies! I am not sure how I discovered the Aurora Teagarden series, but I have read the first few in the series and loved them. There are ten books in this series now and I hope to read the rest of the books in the series. They are a little PG in places, but overall these were fun to read.
Her Royal Spyness
Her Royal Spyness is the first book in the Royal Spyness series. I have heard great things about this series so when I saw the ebook Her Royal Spyness on sale I knew that I wanted to read it. Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun mystery and had me guessing until the end. It was a bit unrealistic in places, but many fiction books are. I loved the descriptions of the people and places in this book. If you love cozy mysteries and books set in England, I think that you will enjoy this one. I can’t wait to read more in the series. I will say that it is a little pg or even pg-13 in places, so it is not quite as “clean” as the others on the list.
What is your favorite cozy mystery or favorite cozy mystery series?
I like the Mrs. Pollifax series. I have not finished the whole series yet. I am on the 8th one.
I have not read any in that series, but will add it to my list of mystery books to try! Thanks for the suggestion.
I have hated mystery stories for the same reasons you have. But, I had never heard of ‘cozy mysteries’! That actually appeals to me. I’m so glad you introduced them to me. Now to lay my hands on one of your recommended ones…. 🙂
I love cozy mysteries too, but sometimes I like to walk at little closer to the darker edge. However, have you read any of the Flavia de Luce books by C Alan Bradley? Flavia is a joy to read!
I have heard great things about those books. I got the first one in the series when the ebook was on sale. I need to move it up to the top of my TBR pile. Thanks for the reminder. I am glad to know that it is a great series. Thanks!
I have several series I am adicted to:
JULIE HYZY, A manor house myst. This series was the first one I read and got me hooked. I have not been able to start The White House Chef series yet.
AMANDA FLOWER, A magical bookshop myst
MONICA FERRIS, A needlecraft myst
ISABELLA ALLAN, An amish quilt shop myst
LAURA CHILDS, A tea shop myst, Lovev them!!!!! Besides I have learnt so much about tea!!!
LORNA BARRET, A booktown myst. and the other series by the name LORRAINE BARLET, Life at Victoria Square
NANCY MARTIN, A Blackbird sisters myst
AMANDA LEE, An embroidery myst, I so wish she kept it up I adored it.
MIRANDA JAMES, Twelve angry librarians. Always loved thenm, can´t wait for the next installment
ANNE CANADEO, A black sheep knitting myst, just started but very good so far.
LYNN CAHOON, A tourist trap myst. Really good
LEIGHANN DOBBS, Mystic Notch
Krista Davis’ The Domestic Diva series with Sophie Winston. I’ve read the entire series (13 books I think) and they are a favorite. Reading is like visiting with friends–I so enjoy the Sophie universe. It’s set in current-day Old Town Alexandria VA. I like the Hardcastle series too–good choice for this list and I agree with your assessment of Aurora Teagarden–the books are better then the TV show. I see a few that I want to try on your list–thanks for posting it.
Thanks for the recommendation. I always love to find new cozy mystery books!
Anything by Julie Hyzy is great, but I also like the library lover’s series by Jenn McKinlay. If you like pets in your stories, the Paws and Claws series by Krista Davis is cute, too. And if you like it a little gritty, but still not bloody, Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series might interest you, too.
Thank you for the book suggestions. I have not heard of the Library Lovers series, but I just looked it up and it looks really interesting. I am adding it to my fall TBR. I keep thinking that I need to read Janet Evanovich, but I haven’t yet. Do you have a favorite or a book of hers that you would start with?
One for the money by Janet Evanovich- It’s the first in the series and all are a number… So the second is two to get deadly. Excellent funny books- fast paced and the characters really stand out. All of Janet Evanovich’s books can be read out of order but if you are like me, I would start with the first. The series only gets better. And really after you meet LuLa it’s all over, you will be hooked.
I have not read anything by her so thank you for the recommendation!
You should try the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley. A true delight.
I have had several readers recommend that series and I keep meaning to read it. I think I might pick it up to take on vacation with me next month. It would be a great book to take with me. I have heard such great things about that series that I really do need to finally read it!