Blogging A to Z: Day 26 – Zoo mysteries: Cozy mysteries set in zoos or featuring animals

Good morning, my lovely readers! Today, we’re going to dive into the wild world of cozy mysteries – the perfect blend of thrilling whodunits and comforting coziness. But we’re not just talking any old cozy mysteries, oh no. We’re talking about cozy mysteries set in zoos or featuring animals. That’s right, folks. Murder and mayhem in the midst of cute and cuddly critters. What’s not to love?

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Jen, how can murder be cozy?” Well, my friends, that’s the beauty of it. Cozy mysteries offer all the suspense and intrigue of a murder mystery, but with a heaping helping of warmth and charm. And when you add in the quirky and often unpredictable world of zoos and animals, you’ve got yourself a recipe for some seriously entertaining reads.

So, whether you’re a lover of all things cozy or a diehard animal enthusiast, cozy mysteries set in zoos or featuring animals are the perfect way to escape into a world of mystery and delight. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out the books I’ll be listing in this post and let me know what you think in the comments below.

And hey, if you enjoy this post, please like, comment, share, and subscribe. Just a heads up – I use affiliate links in my blog, so if you buy through those links, I earn a small commission. But don’t worry, it won’t cost you a thing. Plus, you can listen to the audio version of this blog on my podcast through Spotify and Amazon Music. So, let’s get cozy with some killer animals, shall we?

Listen, I’m not saying that the only reason to go to a zoo is to solve a murder. But I’m also not not saying that. There’s something about the combination of cute animals and a good whodunit that just makes sense, you know? Maybe it’s the fact that animals can be surprisingly sneaky, or maybe it’s the fact that you can hide a body in a lot of places in a zoo (don’t worry, I’m not speaking from experience). Whatever the reason, cozy mysteries set in zoos are definitely a thing, and they’re definitely worth checking out.

Here is a cozy mystery book set in a zoo that you might want to add to your reading list:

“The Anteater of Death” by Betty Webb https://amzn.to/3A0p2qn

Zookeeper Theodora “Teddy” Bentley is back, and this time she’s investigating the death of an anteater at the Gunn Zoo in California. As she delves deeper into the case, she realizes that there might be more to the murder than meets the eye.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Why on earth would I want to read a cozy mystery set in a zoo?” Well, let me tell you: there are plenty of reasons. For one thing, zoos are fascinating places with lots of hidden nooks and crannies, which makes them perfect for a good old-fashioned whodunit. Plus, who doesn’t love a good animal cameo? Whether it’s a mischievous monkey or a majestic lion, animals can add an extra layer of fun to any mystery.

And let’s not forget about the unique elements of cozy mysteries set in zoos. For one thing, you’re dealing with a specialized setting with its own set of rules and quirks. There are the zookeepers with their own agendas, the demanding animals who need to be fed and cared for, and the constant stream of visitors who can be both a help and a hindrance. All of these elements add up to create a unique and compelling backdrop for a mystery.

So, there you have it: cozy mysteries set in zoos. Whether you’re a seasoned cozy mystery reader or a newcomer to the genre, I highly recommend giving these books a try. Who knows? You might just solve a crime (or at least have a lot of fun trying).

Now let’s talk about cozy mysteries featuring animals, because nothing says “cozy” like a cuddly creature who may or may not have witnessed a murder.

First up, we have “Claws for Concern” by Miranda James, https://amzn.to/43Atycq

which stars a librarian and her cat, Diesel, as they investigate the mysterious death of a beloved pet-sitter. Diesel may be fluffy and adorable, but don’t let that fool you – he’s got a nose for clues and a tendency to knock over bookshelves when he gets excited. If you’re a fan of felines and whodunits, this book is purr-fect for you.

If you prefer your animal sleuths to be a little more…scaly, check out “A Lizard in my Luggage” by Anna Nicholas. https://amzn.to/3A1YapN

In this delightful romp through the Spanish countryside, Nicholas recounts her adventures as a reptile rescuer who gets caught up in a murder investigation. Along the way, she introduces us to her menagerie of rescued animals, including a giant tortoise who serves as an unexpected witness. Who knew a tortoise could be so good at keeping secrets?

So why do readers love cozy mysteries featuring animals? Well, for starters, they’re a welcome break from the harsh realities of the world. Who wants to read about real-life crime when you can curl up with a cup of tea and a book about a crime-solving cat? Plus, animals are inherently charming and often provide some much-needed comic relief. And let’s be honest – there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a furry friend outsmart a human villain.

But what really sets cozy mysteries featuring animals apart is the unique perspective they offer. Whether it’s a cat who can sense danger or a dog who can track down a scent, these books remind us that the world is full of wonders – and that sometimes, the unlikeliest heroes can save the day.

Here is one of my top picks for cozy mystery series that features animals:

“Paws and Claws Mystery Series” by Krista Davis https://amzn.to/40fN0IJ

This series follows pet-sitter, Holly Miller, as she moves to a small town and begins working at a pet boutique in a local zoo. The series features a wide range of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). Readers will love the cozy small town setting and the adorable animals that Holly cares for, while also trying to solve various mysteries that arise.

Now, you might be wondering why cozy mysteries that combine zoos and animals are so great. Well, first of all, who doesn’t love cute and cuddly animals? They add a fun and lighthearted element to the story that can make even the most gruesome murder seem less scary.

Plus, cozy mysteries set in zoos allow us to learn more about the inner workings of these fascinating institutions. We get to see the behind-the-scenes action that goes into caring for and protecting the animals, while also enjoying a thrilling mystery.

So, if you’re looking for a cozy mystery that combines the best of both worlds – animals and crime-solving – then look no further than these delightful books.

Well, my dear cozy mystery enthusiasts, we’ve reached the end of our wild and wacky tour of zoo mysteries! From big cats to sneaky snakes, these cozy mysteries set in zoos or featuring animals are a whole lot of fun. And who doesn’t love a good animal-related pun or two? I’m pretty sure there’s a hippopotamus joke in there somewhere, but I’ll save that for another day.

The appeal of these types of cozy mysteries is clear: they’re a great way to escape into a world filled with cute and cuddly (or not-so-cute-and-cuddly) critters. Plus, you get to solve a murder mystery on the side. Talk about multitasking.

So, my lovely readers, I urge you to check out these cozy mystery books. Give them a read, and let me know what you think in the comments below. And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. If you buy through my affiliate links, I earn a small commission. But no pressure. I’m not going to start throwing ostrich eggs at you or anything. (That’s a joke. I promise.)

Oh, and one more thing! If you prefer to listen to your blogs rather than read them, you can catch the audio version of this post on my podcast, available on Spotify and Amazon Music. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to find a koala to help me solve my next mystery. Wish me luck!