My Favorite Cozy Mystery Book Series: From Murder, She Wrote to The Coffeehouse Mysteries

Hey there, fellow cozy mystery enthusiasts! Are you a fan of curling up with a cup of tea and a good whodunit? Do you secretly fantasize about solving a murder mystery in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business? Well, you’re in good company, my friend. As a self-proclaimed cozy mystery addict, I’m always on the hunt for the next great series to binge-read.

In case you’re new to the cozy mystery scene, let me give you a quick rundown. Cozy mysteries are a sub-genre of crime fiction that typically feature an amateur detective, a small town setting, and a cozy, feel-good atmosphere. Think “Murder, She Wrote” meets “Gilmore Girls” with a touch of “Clue” thrown in for good measure.

Personally, cozy mysteries hold a special place in my heart. They’re the perfect mix of intrigue and comfort, and I always come away feeling satisfied after a good cozy mystery read. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my favorite cozy mystery book series, including the legendary “Murder, She Wrote” and the delectable Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle.

But enough chit-chat, let’s dive in! Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe if you enjoy this post. And just a heads up, I use affiliate links in my blog and earn a small commission when you buy through those links. Plus, you can listen to the audio version of this blog on my podcast through Spotify and Amazon Music. Okay, now let’s get sleuthing!

Oh my goodness, let’s talk about Murder, She Wrote! https://amzn.to/42SdCRX

I mean, what’s not to love about a show where a sweet older woman solves murders in her spare time? It’s like if your grandma was a super sleuth, and let’s be real, who doesn’t love their grandma?

If you haven’t seen Murder, She Wrote, here’s the gist: Angela Lansbury plays Jessica Fletcher, a widowed mystery writer who stumbles upon murders everywhere she goes. I mean, seriously, this woman must have the worst luck in the world! But instead of running away screaming like a sane person, she decides to investigate and figure out who the killer is.

So what makes this show a great cozy mystery series? Well, for starters, it’s got all the classic elements: a small town setting, quirky characters, and a main character who’s just so darn likable. Plus, you know, the whole solving murders thing.

But my favorite part of Murder, She Wrote is definitely Jessica Fletcher herself. She’s smart, resourceful, and always gets her man (or woman, let’s be inclusive here). Plus, she’s the kind of person you’d want to sit down and have tea with, even if there was a murderer on the loose.

As for my personal favorite episodes, it’s tough to choose just one. There was the time Jessica investigated a murder on a movie set (because who wouldn’t want to be a Hollywood detective?), the episode where she solved a murder at a winery (because, hello, wine), and of course the classic episode where she solved a murder on a train (because trains are cool and murder is not).

All in all, Murder, She Wrote is a classic cozy mystery series that will never go out of style. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and get ready to solve some crimes with the one and only Jessica Fletcher.

Oh boy, let’s talk about the Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle. https://amzn.to/3BliCCC

If you’re anything like me, you probably love coffee just as much as you love cozy mysteries. And let me tell you, this series has both in spades.

The Coffeehouse Mysteries follow the adventures of Clare Cosi, a divorced single mom who manages a coffee shop in New York City. But don’t let the calm and cozy setting fool you – there’s plenty of drama brewing (see what I did there?) in each book.

What makes this series so great, you ask? Well, first of all, the coffee. Cleo Coyle doesn’t just write about coffee, she practically worships it. Reading her descriptions of the different blends and brewing methods is like being transported to a cozy café, snuggled up with a good book and a steaming mug of your favorite drink.

But the real magic of this series is the characters. Clare and her crew of baristas are like family, and you can’t help but root for them as they solve mysteries and navigate their personal lives. Plus, there’s a healthy dose of romance sprinkled throughout the series, which is always a plus in my book.

As for my personal favorite books or moments… it’s hard to choose! But I have a soft spot for the first book in the series, “On What Grounds.” It’s the perfect introduction to the world of the Coffeehouse Mysteries, and it features a murder that takes place during a coffee tasting (gasp!).

Overall, if you love coffee, cozy mysteries, and lovable characters, the Coffeehouse Mysteries are a must-read. Just be warned: you’ll be craving a latte (or three) by the time you’re done.

Oh my goodness, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into The Haunted Bookshop by Cleo Coyle! https://amzn.to/3MhIS6f

If you’re looking for a cozy mystery series with a spooky twist, then this is the one for you.

First things first, let me give you a quick rundown of the series. The Haunted Bookshop follows Penelope Thornton-McClure, who inherits a haunted bookstore in Rhode Island. Yes, you read that right – a haunted bookstore. And not just any ghosts, mind you. We’re talking about the spirits of dead authors, who are quite opinionated, let me tell you.

But what makes this series truly fantastic is the way it blends the cozy mystery genre with a touch of supernatural. The mystery-solving is on point, of course, but the added layer of ghosts and otherworldly elements really takes it to the next level.

And let me just say, Cleo Coyle has a way with characters. Penelope is a wonderful protagonist – smart, funny, and full of spunk. And the supporting cast is just as delightful, the lovable ghost Jack Shepard.

As for my personal favorite books in the series, I have to go with The Ghost and Mrs. McClure and The Bookplate Special. Both are packed with mystery, humor, and plenty of spooky shenanigans.

So if you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery series with a dash of the supernatural, I highly recommend giving The Haunted Bookshop a read. And who knows? Maybe the ghosts of dead authors will start haunting your own bookshelf. (Don’t worry, they’re quite friendly… usually.)

Listen, if you’ve already devoured all the Murder, She Wrote episodes and the Coffeehouse Mysteries, fear not, my dear cozy mystery enthusiast. There are plenty of other series out there to sink your teeth into, and I’ve got some suggestions that are sure to tickle your fancy.

First up, we have the “Mrs. Murphy” series by Rita Mae Brown. That’s right, not only do you get a cozy mystery, but you also get a cat and dog duo that solve crimes. Can it get any better than that? I don’t think so.

If you’re into something a little more supernatural, check out the “Witchcraft Mysteries” by Juliet Blackwell. It’s got witches, ghosts, and even a talking pig. What’s not to love? Plus, the author’s last name is Blackwell, which sounds like a cool, goth store you’d find in the mall.

For those who love a good culinary mystery, give the “Hannah Swensen” series by Joanne Fluke a try. It’s got murder, recipes, and a sassy heroine who runs a bakery. I mean, who wouldn’t want to read about delicious baked goods and murder?

And last but not least, we have the “Miss Fortune Mystery” series by Jana DeLeon. It takes place in a small Louisiana town and features a former CIA assassin who goes by the name “Fortune” and a cast of quirky characters. It’s like if the Golden Girls were spies.

So there you have it, folks. Some cozy mystery series to add to your reading list. They all have their own unique flair, but they’re sure to satisfy your craving for murder and mayhem (in a cozy, non-threatening way, of course).

In conclusion, cozy mysteries are the perfect escape from reality, and my personal favorites are Murder, She Wrote, The Coffeehouse Mysteries, and The Haunted Bookshop. If you haven’t given cozy mysteries a chance yet, I highly encourage you to do so. You never know, you might just find your new favorite series!

Personally, my favorite aspect of cozy mysteries is the combination of suspense and humor. I love how these books can keep me on the edge of my seat while still making me laugh out loud. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about trying to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist.

And with that, I want to remind you to like, comment, share, and subscribe to my blog! As a disclaimer, I do use affiliate links in my posts, so if you do decide to purchase a book through my links, I earn a small commission. But hey, you’re supporting a fellow cozy mystery fan, so it’s a win-win!

Oh, and don’t forget to check out the audio version of this blog on my podcast through Spotify and Amazon Music. That way, you can listen to me talk about my favorite cozy mystery series while you’re cooking dinner or doing laundry. Because let’s be real, who has time to sit down and read a book these days?

Happy reading, fellow cozy mystery lovers!