If you’ve ever looked at a messy closet and felt like the clutter might actually kill you, Carol Light ’s "Room for Suspicion" takes that feeling to a whole new—and entertaining—level.
Set in the modern-day Chicago suburbs, this first installment of the Cluttered Crime Mysteries introduces us to Crystal Ward, a professional organizer who is much better at tidying up lives than she is at staying out of police investigations. Crystal is relatable, sharp, and runs "Clutter-Free with Crystal" with the kind of efficiency we all wish we had.
The story kicks off when Crystal takes on a job that is every organizer’s nightmare: a house packed to the rafters with "treasures" (or junk, depending on who you ask). But as she begins to peel back the layers of a client's hoarding, she uncovers something much more permanent than an old newspaper collection—a dead body.
The Verdict
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries that feature smart female leads, a touch of humor, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the final "tidy" conclusion, you definitely need to make room on your shelf for "Room for Suspicion." It’s a sparkling start to a series that proves cleaning up a crime scene is a lot harder than cleaning up a kitchen!
Looking for your next favorite cozy mystery,?
Look no further than the misty, salt-aired streets of Sweet Penny Cove. In this series debut we’re introduced to the sharp-witted and wonderfully relatable Stevie Jewel, a protagonist who feels like the kind of friend you’d want to grab a coffee with at a local PNW café.
The setting is pure magic—there’s something about the Pacific Northwest in modern times that just screams "perfect mystery backdrop." Between the towering evergreens and the moody atmosphere of a fictional coastal town, the stage is set for a gripping whodunit. And speaking of stages, the mystery kicks off in the most cinematic way possible: a murder right in the middle of the local movie theater.
The Verdict
Whether you’re a die-hard cozy mystery fan or just looking for a getaway to a foggy coastal town filled with secrets, Stevie Jewel’s latest adventure is a total hit. It’s atmospheric, cleverly plotted, and features a lead character you’ll be rooting for from the opening credits to the final curtain call.
Grab your popcorn (and maybe a raincoat)—Sweet Penny Cove is calling!
Want a fresh, whip-smart addition to your mystery shelf? Grab a copy of Denver’s own Hale Mary Seton. In The Trouble with Dead Bodies, the first installment of Katrina Kyle’s Hale Mary Mystery series, we are introduced to a protagonist whose name is just the beginning of her charm.
Set against the vibrant, modern backdrop of Denver, this isn’t your grandmother’s slow-burning cozy. It’s a fast-paced whodunnit that hits the ground running and doesn't let up until the final reveal.
The Verdict
What really shines here is the voice. The writing is conversational and witty, making the darker elements of a murder mystery feel balanced by a sense of humor and heart.
The Trouble with Dead Bodies is a stellar series debut. It’s a fun, engaging read that manages to feel both familiar and entirely fresh. If you love a mystery with a strong female lead, a great sense of place, and a plot that keeps you on your toes, you need to meet Hale Mary Seton. I, for one, can’t wait to see what kind of trouble she finds herself in next!
Highly recommended for fans of Janet Evanovich or any reader who loves a mystery with a side of sass.