My Top 5 Cozy Mystery Books of All Time

Welcome, my fellow book nerds and murder enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my top 5 cozy mystery books of all time. But before we dive into the juicy details, I need to make a quick disclosure: some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Hey, a girl’s gotta eat, right?

Now, let’s talk about cozy mysteries. If you’re not familiar with the genre, let me give you a quick rundown: cozy mysteries are like the comfort food of crime fiction. They’re usually set in quaint small towns or charming villages, feature amateur sleuths with quirky personalities, and don’t contain graphic violence or explicit sex scenes. Think of them as the literary equivalent of a warm blanket, a cup of tea, and a purring cat by your side.

And why do I love cozy mysteries so much? Well, for one thing, they’re the perfect escape from real-life stressors. I mean, who wouldn’t want to solve a murder while munching on freshly-baked scones and petting a fluffy dog? Plus, cozy mysteries often have a strong sense of community and friendship, which is something we all need more of these days.

So without further ado, let me introduce you to my top 5 favorite cozy mystery books of all time. These are the books that have made me laugh, gasp, and crave pie. And if you like what you read, don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe. Because sharing is caring, and subscribing is… well, let’s just say it’s the closest thing to having a secret handshake with me. Are you ready? Let’s get cozy with murder.

Oh my gosh, Murder She Wrote: Trick or Treachery https://amzn.to/3L3iOee is like the ultimate Halloween cozy mystery! There’s a self-righteous spiritual medium, a real-life witch, and a graveyard murder – it’s like all my favorite things in one book. And don’t even get me started on Jessica Fletcher frantically searching for the perfect costume. I mean, who among us hasn’t been there?

But what I really love about this book is the way it balances the spooky and the funny. Like, yes, there’s a murder, but there’s also all these ridiculous Halloween decorations and townspeople who are way too invested in curses and omens. It’s like the whole town is trying to outdo each other in the Halloween department, and it’s hilarious.

One of my favorite scenes is when Jess is trying to figure out the motive for the murder and ends up at a séance with the spiritual medium. The medium is all serious and dramatic, and Jess is just like, “Uh-huh, sure, let’s talk to the dead.” It’s such a perfect example of the way this book mixes the creepy and the silly.

And of course, there’s the fact that Jessica Fletcher is a total badass. I mean, she’s in her sixties and still out there solving crimes and taking names. If I’m even half as cool as her when I’m her age, I’ll consider my life a success.

All in all, Murder She Wrote: Trick or Treachery is a spooky, funny, and thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery that’s perfect for Halloween or any time you’re in the mood for a good mystery. I highly recommend it!

Ah, Once Upon A Grind from the Coffeehouse Mysteries https://amzn.to/3LjGFrw by Cleo Coyle. This book is like a caffeinated version of a fairy tale with a dash of murder thrown in. What’s not to love?

One of the reasons I adore this book is because it’s full of quirky characters and unexpected twists. I mean, who wouldn’t want to read about a coffee truck transformed into a “Jack and the Beanstalk” wonderland? And let’s not forget about Clare’s ex-husband’s mother and her readings of coffee grinds. Talk about unique.

But the real magic of this book is in the mystery. When Clare Cosi receives a vision that leads her to the body of a young model in Central Park, she becomes embroiled in a murder investigation that takes her on a wild ride through the city’s fairytale-themed attractions. The suspects range from a wolf of Wall Street to a New York Giant and even a wicked witch of the WestSide. Trust me, it’s a murder investigation like no other.

One of my favorite scenes from the book is when Clare visits a secret Prince Charming club as part of her investigation. The club is filled with men dressed up as princes from different fairy tales. It’s hilarious and absurd, and yet somehow it works within the context of the story. Cleo Coyle has a talent for balancing the serious elements of a murder mystery with the whimsical aspects of a fairy tale.

All in all, Once Upon A Grind is a delightful cozy mystery that’s perfect for anyone who loves a good cup of coffee and a great story. Just be prepared to see the city in a whole new light after reading this book.

Oh my gosh, The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait https://amzn.to/3mQn1tV from the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries by Cleo Coyle is a hoot and a half. I mean, where else are you going to find a gumshoe ghost teaming up with a bookshop owner to solve a mystery involving a cursed portrait? Nowhere, that’s where.

The banter between Penelope and Jack Shepard, the dead detective, is worth the price of admission alone. And let me tell you, there’s no better way to solve a mystery than with the help of a ghost who has nothing better to do than solve crimes for eternity.

But seriously, this book is a masterclass in cozy mystery writing. The characters are well-drawn, the plot is intricate, and the setting is charmingly atmospheric. And the best part? It’s laugh-out-loud funny. I mean, who wouldn’t crack up at lines like “he had the disposition of a cactus on a hot day” or “he’s as sharp as a bowling ball”?

But my absolute favorite scene in the book is when Pen and Jack visit a seance in order to get some answers about the portrait. Let’s just say that things don’t go exactly as planned, and I was cackling the whole way through. I won’t spoil it for you, but let’s just say that if you’re a fan of seances and sarcasm, you’re in for a treat.

All in all, The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait is a must-read for cozy mystery fans. It’s clever, funny, and full of heart. And if you’re looking for a cozy mystery with a paranormal twist, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Oh my goodness, have you read “Arsenic and Adobo” https://amzn.to/41x8x0S by Mia P. Manansala? It’s a cozy mystery book about a young woman named Lila who moves back home after a breakup and has to save her Tita Rosie’s failing restaurant. If you’re a fan of witty humor and delicious food, then this book is definitely for you.

What I love about this book is how it balances humor and suspense perfectly. You’re laughing one minute, then on the edge of your seat the next. And let’s not forget about the food descriptions. I swear, every time I read this book, I end up craving Filipino cuisine.

One of my favorite scenes from “Arsenic and Adobo” is when Lila and her aunties form a “spy ring” to gather information on the murder. They use their gossiping skills and knowledge of the community to piece together clues and help Lila solve the case. It’s hilarious and heartwarming all at once.

But don’t just take my word for it. This book won the RUSA Award for Best Mystery Novel, so you know it’s good. And if you’re looking for a cozy mystery with a strong, relatable protagonist, mouth-watering food descriptions, and a good dose of humor, then “Arsenic and Adobo” is definitely worth checking out. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Oh, Daisies for Innocence from the Enchanted Garden Mysteries https://amzn.to/3N9dA3g by Bailey Cattrell is one of my favorites! It’s like Murder She Wrote meets Practical Magic in a cozy mystery. I mean, who doesn’t love a magical garden, custom-made perfumes, and a little bit of murder?

The main character, Elliana Allbright, is a custom perfume maker with a supernatural sense of smell. She uses her skills to create perfumes that can do everything from evoke emotions to make people happy. But when her part-time assistant Josie is found dead in the Enchanted Garden behind her perfume shop, Ellie becomes the prime suspect in Josie’s murder.

What I love about this book is how Bailey Cattrell weaves magic and mystery together seamlessly. The Enchanted Garden is like a character in its own right, and you can almost smell the fragrant flowers as you read. And Ellie is a fantastic protagonist, smart and savvy, with just the right amount of quirkiness.

One of my favorite scenes is when Ellie is questioning potential suspects and she accidentally sprays them with a truth serum perfume. It’s a hilarious moment that perfectly balances the tension of the murder investigation. Plus, it’s always satisfying to see someone get caught in a lie.

All in all, Daisies for Innocence is a delightful read that will make you want to visit Poppyville, California and create your own custom perfume. Just be careful who you date, because you never know who might turn out to be a killer.

And there you have it, my top 5 favorite cozy mystery books of all time! From Jessica Fletcher’s spooky shenanigans in “Trick or Treachery” to the charming Enchanted Garden Mysteries of Bailey Cattrell, these books are sure to delight mystery lovers and cozy aficionados alike. But don’t just take my word for it—grab a copy of these books and curl up with a cup of tea (or a glass of wine, I won’t judge) for a cozy evening in. And if you happen to buy these books through my affiliate links, I’ll earn a small commission which I’ll use to buy even more cozy mystery books. It’s the circle of life. Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to my blog for more humorous and entertaining content. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, check out the audio version of this blog on my podcast, available on Spotify and Amazon Music. Thanks for reading, y’all, and remember: life may be mysterious, but at least it’s never boring.