Cozy Amateur Sleuth Mysteries
Best Sellers
Looking to find a great cosy mystery to read? Here’s a few of the best selling books and series
Anthea Fraser masterfully introduces us to the sharp-witted Rona Parish in Murder Most Bookish, the captivating first installment of the Chiltern Hills Mystery series. Set against the charming backdrop of present-day England, the story follows Rona, a freelance biographer whose research into a famous author’s life leads her down a path of long-buried secrets and unexpected danger. Fraser’s writing is wonderfully conversational and immersive, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of a cozy English market town while maintaining a brisk, engaging pace that keeps you turning pages
Star Rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars. #3 in Cozy Animal Mysteries.
Available on Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Wendy Neugent’s Murder Takes a Bow is a delightful escape that perfectly captures the "vacation gone wrong" vibe in the best way possible. We meet Olivia Morgan, whose life as a magician’s assistant on a luxury cruise ship is turned upside down when her partner abruptly jumps ship, leaving her with a contract to fulfill and a very chatty parrot named Chico. The situation goes from stressful to deadly when a crew member is murdered, and Olivia finds herself at the center of a high-seas investigation. Neugent’s own experience as a cruise entertainer shines through, providing an authentic "behind-the-scenes" feel that makes the setting feel incredibly vivid and immersive.
Star Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars. #7 in Amateur Sleuth Mysteries
Available on Kindle Unlimited: Yes
If you’re looking for a delightful escape into a charming small town where the coffee is warm but the mysteries are chilling, Murder in Aspen Notch is the perfect pick. Kathleen McKee introduces us to Sue Jaworski, a relatable and sharp-witted protagonist who, along with her newlywed husband Alan, just wanted a quiet retirement in the scenic Poconos. Instead, Sue finds herself navigating the quirks of present-day Aspen Notch—complete with an unruly puppy and a sudden death threat—after stumbling upon a local murder. The chemistry between the characters and the vivid small-town atmosphere make this "wholesome whodunit" feel like catching up with old friends, offering a perfect balance of suspense and heart that proves retirement is anything but boring when there’s a killer on the loose!
Star Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
If you’re craving a cozy getaway to the ruggedly beautiful Scottish coast, Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is the perfect literary escape. Jackie Baldwin weaves a delightful tale centered around Beth Cunningham, a determined newcomer whose dream of running a bookshop in the charming town of Oban takes a dark turn when a member of her inaugural crime book club is found murdered right in her store—posed dramatically in a tape outline. With an engaging, quirky cast and a local detective who makes Beth’s heart race as much as the investigation does, this atmospheric mystery strikes the ideal balance between small-town charm and clever suspense. It’s a warm, "unputdownable" read that proves starting over can be dangerous, but with a rescue cat by your side and a few well-placed red herrings, it’s also an adventure you won't want to end!
Star Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars. #3 in Cozy Culinary Mysteries
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
New and Noteworthy
Here’s a few new cosy mysteries that have just been released
If you’re looking for a clever "mystery within a mystery," Murder from A to Z is an absolute treat for any cozy fan. V.M. Burns brings us back to North Harbor, Michigan, where the delightful Samantha Washington is busy running her bookshop while penning her own historical whodunit. Things get complicated when an estate planning workshop at the store turns into a real-life investigation after an elderly woman uses Morse code to signal for help just before her suspicious death. With the help of the spunky "Senior Sleuths" from the Shady Acres Retirement Village, Sam navigates a web of shady relatives and art theft that feels just as high-stakes as the 1939-set mystery she’s writing. It’s a warm, engaging, and fast-paced read that perfectly captures the heart of a close-knit community and the thrill of a well-plotted puzzle!
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars. #1,036 in Amateur Sleuth Mysteries
Kindle Unlimited: No
If you’re a fan of atmospheric, turn-of-the-century mysteries, A Case of Life and Limb is a masterful and immersive journey into the heart of Edwardian London. Sally Smith returns with the delightfully eccentric Sir Gabriel Ward KC, a reclusive and brilliant barrister who is thrust into a macabre investigation when grisly "gifts"—literally body parts—begin arriving at the Inner Temple. Set against the backdrop of a snowy 1901 Christmas and a high-stakes libel trial involving a music hall star, the novel brilliantly balances legal intrigue with a chilling whodunit. Ward is a deeply compelling protagonist whose growing humanity and unlikely friendship with Constable Wright add a layer of warmth to this "unputdownable" historical mystery. It’s a beautifully written, intelligent read that perfectly captures the rigid traditions of the legal world while delivering a clever, twisty puzzle you won't want to solve too quickly!
Star Rating: 4.2 out of 5 Stars. #298 in Historical Mysteries
Available on Kindle Unlimited: No