Cozy Mysteries discussion

hi, all! i'm a new member here interested in checking out more cozy mysteries. in terms of plot elements, i'm looking for books by/about women and something with small town secrets, a snowed-in/locked-room mystery, and/or something set in fall or winter. however, recs that don't fit with these categories are also welcome. looking forward to getting more involved in this community!

If you don't mind reading a book from a series out of order, this book fits every criteria you have, just about~


It reads well as a standalone so no worries.

Jennifer wrote: "If you don't mind reading a book from a series out of order, this book fits every criteria you have, just about~


It reads well as a standalone so no worries."

i don't mind reading books out of order! love books set in ireland so i'll be sure to check this one out. tysm!

For Ireland you might also want to try these two authors:

Carlene O'Connor, Irish Village mysteries

Catie Murphy, Dublin Driver mysteries

Those are a lot of criteria - each one narrowing your choices. The list of Cozies by Theme includes snowed-in and snow bound cozies at this link:

https://cozy-mystery.com/blog/mystery...

Interesting that not many women seem to be doing the locked room mystery, though a few of the classic women did - Agatha Christie in "Ten Little Indians" (aka "And Then There Were None") Marjorie Allingham in "Flowers for the Judge", Christianna Brand, "Suddenly At His Residence." I read an interesting one recently written by a woman, a short story, but it was in a volume of new Sherlock Holmes tales.
For small townish books written by women with a female sleuth - too many to mention, but check out the series by Claudia Bishop, Laura Childs, Jill Churchill, Diane Mott Davidson, Monica Ferris, Mary Ellen Hughes, Vicki Lane, Jane Rubino, Kathleen Taylor, Valerie Wolzien

Agatha Christie! Reading her books inspired me to write mysteries.

Barbara wrote: "Interesting that not many women seem to be doing the locked room mystery, though a few of the classic women did - Agatha Christie in "Ten Little Indians" (aka "And Then There Were None") Marjorie A..."

Cecelia Peartree's Pitkirtly mysteries feature a female sleuth.

Joe wrote: "Agatha Christie! Reading her books inspired me to write mysteries."

There was a documentary on TV recently about AC and HP. It brought it home to me that although I've watched all the films and the TV programmes, and think I know her work well, I'd never actually read any of her books! Have started to put that right.

Elizabeth wrote: "Joe wrote: "Agatha Christie! Reading her books inspired me to write mysteries."

There was a documentary on TV recently about AC and HP. It brought it home to me that although I've watched all the ..."

Someone new to cozies won't know who AC and HP are. Are you referring to Agatha Christie and one of her MCs, Hercule Poirot?

Elizabeth wrote: "although I've watched all the films and the TV programmes, and think I know her work well, I'd never actually read any of her books! Have started to put that right. ..."

And the wonderful thing about Agatha Christie is that you can read the novels even though you know the story from the TV and they can still surprise you!

I read the book The ABC Murders after watching a TV adaptation, and because the TV had played around with the characters, expanding their role or combining two into one, the book still felt fresh.

I love Agatha Christie, but I don't think she's a cozy writer...her body count is too high! To me the original cozy mystery is Charlotte MacLeod's REST YOU MERRY, which, along with being an insanely enjoyable read, lays down all the elements of the contemporary (American) cozy universe - small town setting, unique profession, violence off stage, a bit of romance, humor, amateur sleuths who use their actual expertise to solve the crime. All Agatha based for sure but MacLeod's take is to me what fuels contemporary cozies.

Nell wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "Joe wrote: "Agatha Christie! Reading her books inspired me to write mysteries."

There was a documentary on TV recently about AC and HP. It brought it home to me that although I'v..."

Sorry, good point. Yes, Agatha Christie and Hercules Poirot.

Simon Brett! If you like British whodunnits, his Fethering series is very good. The main characters/sleuths are women, and there are plenty of small town secrets.

Robin wrote: "I love Agatha Christie, but I don't think she's a cozy writer...her body count is too high! To me the original cozy mystery is Charlotte MacLeod's REST YOU MERRY, which, along with being an insanel..."

Charlotte MacLeod is referred to as the "American Agatha Christie." Agatha was a creator of the genre. I cannot see dismissing her mysteries as definitions of 'cozy' evolve.

And ... Thanks for reminding me. I paused my reading of her Sarah Kelling & Max Bittersohn series. Time to grab the next one. 😊

Never would I dismiss Agatha...I just don't think she's a cozy writer. To me cozies are pretty specifically American, and may have evolved from Agatha's blueprint, but they are definitely their own thing.

Agatha Christie...I loved her book "Elephants can Remember"

One that might fit the bill of locked room, secrets, set in winter is Georgette Heyer's Christmas manor house mystery, "Envious Casca" - it was also published under the title "A Christmas Party."

has anyone read the aurora teagarden series? what are your thoughts on them?

Aurora Teagarden was okay but a bit too slow paced for me. However, while the first Teagarden is not locked in, only members of the murder group could be the killer, so that works. Lilian Jackson Braun is porbably my favorite author, but not necessarily locked room. You could try Steve Higgs Patricia Fisher series, which all take place on a cruise ship. The two main series I've been reviewing are the Shannon Hammer series by kate Carlisle, and the Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs.

I loved Aurora Teagarden! I've read the whole series twice. It is a classic southern setting. Charlaine Harris is one of my favorite authors.

I love Ellen Riggs’ Bought the Farm series. Also love Addison Moore. Small towns with animals

I love the High Heels series and Wine & Dine series by Gemma Halliday.
The Diva series by Kristen David is also very good.

I see this thread picked up again...

Where to start with cozies sort of depends on what other genres one likes to read. If the new-to-cozy reader likes fantasy or paranormal books a good jumping point could be Nancy Warren's Vampire Knitting Club series. And, there are so many great paranormal series out there by Juliet Blackwell; Bailey Cates; Heather Blake/Heather Webber; Madelyn Alt; Casey Daniels...

Several romance writers (including Nancy Warren) are writing mysteries. If the reader likes romance, s/he could try checking if any favorites are writing mystery and test the waters with authors s/he's familiar with: Addison Moore; K L Montgomery; Liliana Hart...

Does the reader love books or writing? There are a lot of series set in and around book stores, involving authors, vintage books, etc.: Susan Kandel; Lorna Barrett; Kate Carlisle...

Into crafting? There are series involving all sorts of crafting from papercrafting to knitting and crochet to sewing, etc.: Betty Hechtman; Laura Childs; Tim Myers...

Take a look at what your GR friends are reading and give those cozies a try. (That's how I build my TBR!)

Also, the Stop You're Killing Me site is a great place to find reads by favorite authors who write under various pseudonyms. The site also has a genre page (http://stopyourekillingme.com/GenreCa...).

While not all cozies are great, you really can't go wrong picking up any. I combed the library shelves and pulled off series to read. I didn't care for everything I read, but found so many good things. I love this genre in all flavors.

Karen wrote: "I see this thread picked up again...

Where to start with cozies sort of depends on what other genres one likes to read. If the new-to-cozy reader likes fantasy or paranormal books a good jumping ..."

this reply is a godsend! i myself am looking to get into reading cosy mysteries, but i'm quite overwhelmed!

I just finished The Complete Supermarket Mysteries Books 1-3 by Rachedl Ward


This series could be a good start! Small town, people going about their daily life, a mystery and lovely characters.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...