6 Cozy Mystery Series Worth Reading

There are plenty of gruesome murder mysteries that cater to fans of gritty thrillers, but what if you are in the mood for a little lighter reading? The solution is cozy mysteries, a lighter take on the crime fiction genre where you are more likely to laugh than shudder in fear. Instead of dwelling on the horrible details, these books focus more on the clever actions of the (usually amateur) detective attempting to solve the murder. So, if you want to indulge in something a little more cozy than the typical hard-boiled detective tales out there, it is worth checking out these quirky mystery novels.

Detective Jack Stratton Mystery Thriller Series

by Christopher Greyson

Jack Stratton is the hero of this fast paced series by author Christopher Greyson. The broad appeal of the books, which mixes mystery, romance and thrills has made them fan favorites amongst readers. The series opens with Jack investigating the disappearance of his foster-sister and is the tale of an underdog with a debt of honor trying to find answers.

Books to Die For Series

by Richard Houston

The Books to Die For Series by Richard Houston features the adventures of an ordinary man named Jake Martin, who along with his extraordinary golden retriever, becomes embroiled in all kinds of mysteries. From searching for cold-blooded killers in the Missouri Ozarks to dealing with poaching rings in the foothills of Denver, and treasure hunting in the Colorado Rockies, there is rarely a dull moment for Jack in these books. 

Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Series

by Agatha Frost

With its cat loving amateur sleuth, Julia South, and a quirky cast of character, the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series by Agatha Frost has everything fans love about the genre. Julie begins her adventures when one of her cafe’s customers end up murdered and quickly finds herself embroiled in more murder mysteries that take place in the small village of Peridale.

The Caching Out Omnibus

by Morgan C. Talbot

The Caching Out Omnibus by Morgan C. Talbot offers readers a unique series of murder mysteries based around geocaching. However, you don’t have to be a fan of geocaching to appreciate the situations that the two characters, Margaret and Bindi, find themselves in as they grapple with mysteries and their own personal demons.

The Daisy Gumm Majesty Boxset

by Alice Duncan

Not all cosy murder mysteries are contemporary as this series featuring a 1920s medium by Alice Duncan shows. The books stars Daisy Gum Majesty, who offers séances to grieving rich folk, but usually ends up having to solve real mysteries in the process.

Shelby Nichols Adventure Series

by Colleen Helme

Shelby Nichols, the protagonist of the Shelby Nichols Adventures series by author Colleen Helme is no ordinary woman. At least not after a trip to the grocery to buy carrots ends with her being grazed by a bullet to the head and the uncanny ability to read other people’s thoughts. Unfortunately, this turns out to be more of a curse than a blessing for her, but does result in some crazy adventures.