We say it all the time: There’s nothing better than cracking open a good book. But, add a cozy wintertime backdrop and a crackling, warm fireplace, and you have yourself a spot you’ll never want to leave.
That’s why we love cozy mysteries. Especially for this time of year, those warm-feeling settings and engaging, intertwined characters are exactly what we’re thinking about.
In true Post Wanted fashion, we rounded up the best cozy mysteries to add to your reading list. Some of these we’ve finished and recommend constantly, while others we’ve thoroughly researched to provide a comprehensive guide for your next cozy read.
RELATED: Best mysteries and thrillers we reviewed
All titles are on Audible, too, in case you want to close your eyes and *really* get into the cozy mood. Sign up now to get your first three months for only $0.99 each month.
“The Mystery Guest” by Nita Prose

Goodreads rating: 3.82/5 stars
About the book: “‘The Mystery Guest’ by Nita Prose follows the story of a hotel maid who becomes embroiled in a complex situation when she discovers a mysterious guest in a luxury hotel, uncovering secrets that challenge her perceptions of herself and the world around her.
We loved the cozy nature of this book and felt like we were trying to unscramble a Clue-like mystery. With a hotel setting and a quirky yet brilliantly minded protagonist, it should be at the top of your reading list.
This book is the second in the “Molly the Maid” series. The first title is “The Maid,” and this year’s holiday title is “The Mistletoe Mystery.”
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“The Family Game” by Catherine Steadman

Goodreads rating: 3.84/5 stars
About the book: “The Family Game” by Catherine Steadman is a psychological thriller in which a woman becomes entangled in her wealthy fiancé’s secretive family, leading to a dangerous game of manipulation, deception, and murder.
As one of the best five-star books we’ve read, this title is one we’ve encouraged all of our family and friends to read. If you’re into the “rich people’s problems” trope, this is an excellent page-turner.
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“Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery” by Rachel Ekstrom Courage

Goodreads rating: 5/5 stars
About the book: “Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery” by Rachel Ekstrom Courage is a lighthearted mystery where a group of friends, inspired by the beloved Golden Girls, investigates a murder at a local bakery, all while enjoying cheesecake and witty banter.
This series is just as sweet for readers, based on Goodreads reviews. Because of how many there are,?it’ll?feel like home when you finish one and move on to the next tasty tale.
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“Danger on the Atlantic” by Erica Ruth Neubauer

Goodreads rating: 3.94/5 stars
About the book: “Danger on the Atlantic by Erica Ruth Neubauer is a historical mystery set aboard a luxurious ocean liner in the 1920s, where amateur sleuth Jane Wunderly must solve a murder while navigating the glamorous yet perilous world of high society.
We picked up this book before our springtime cruise (read: best cruises we reviewed) and found it to transport us to a different world entirely. Its vintage-inspired setting and characters make it unlike anything we’ve read.
This book is the third in the “A Jane Wunderly Mystery” series. Preceding titles include “Murder at the Mena House” and “Murder at Wedgefield Manor.” Succeeding titles include “Intrigue in Istanbul,” “Secrets of a Scottish Isle” and “Homicide in the Indian Hills,” the latter released in March 2025 and available for preorder.
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“An Irish Bookshop Murder” by Lucy Connelly

Goodreads rating: 4.21/5 stars
About the book: “An Irish Bookshop Murder” by Lucy Connelly is a cozy mystery where bookstore owner and amateur detective Siobhan investigates a murder in her charming small-town Irish bookshop, uncovering secrets and solving the crime amidst the scenic backdrop of the countryside.
This book is the first in the “Mercy McCarthy Mystery” series. Succeeding titles include “Death by the Book” and “Death at Inishmore Castle,” the latter released in April 2025 and available for preorder.
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“The Beach Hut Murders” by Peter Boland

Goodreads rating: 4.19/5 stars
About the book: “The Beach Hut Murders” by Peter Boland is a gripping mystery where two detectives investigate a series of murders at a popular beach resort, uncovering dark secrets hidden beneath the idyllic coastal setting.
This book is the second in the “The Charity Shop Detective Agency” series. The first book is “The Charity Shop Detective Agency” — the series’ namesake — with the third book “Death at the Dog Show.”
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“Death by Dumpling: A Noodle Shop Mystery” by Vivien Chien

Goodreads rating: 3.66/5 stars
About the book: “Death by Dumpling: A Noodle Shop Mystery” by Vivien Chien follows restaurant manager Lana Lee as she becomes an amateur sleuth to solve the murder of a local food critic, all while navigating family drama and the vibrant world of her Chinese-American noodle shop.
This book is the first in the “Noodle Shop Mystery” series. There are 11 titles total, with succeeding titles including “Dim Sum of All Fears,” “Murder Lo Mein” and “Wonton Terror.”
“Murder in the Cayman Islands” by Dianne Harman

Goodreads rating: 4.42/5 stars
About the book: “Murder in the Cayman Islands” by Dianne Harman is a suspenseful mystery where a retired couple, on vacation in the Cayman Islands, becomes embroiled in solving a murder that threatens to ruin their peaceful getaway.
This book is the ninth in the “Northwest Cozy Mystery” series. There are 17 titles total, with some preceding titles including “Murder on Bainbridge Island,” “Murder in Whistler” and “Murder in Seattle.”
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“Death Down the Aisle” by Verity Bright

Goodreads rating: 4.42/5 stars
About the book: “Death Down the Aisle” by Verity Bright is a charming historical mystery where amateur detective Lady Eleanor Swift must unravel a murder at a glamorous wedding, navigating romance, family secrets and social intrigue in 1920s England.
This book is the eleventh in the “Lady Eleanor Swift” series. There are 20 titles total, with some preceding titles including “A Very English Murder,” “Death at the Dance” and “A Witness to Murder.”
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“Murder at the Beauty Pageant” by Helena Dixon

Goodreads rating: 4.38/5 stars
About the book: “Murder at the Beauty Pageant” by Helena Dixon is a cozy mystery where amateur sleuth Kitty Underhay investigates the murder of a contestant at a glamorous beauty pageant, uncovering hidden rivalries and dark secrets amidst the glitz and glamour.
This best cozy mystery series book is the twelfth in the “Miss Underhay” anthology. There are 18 titles total, with some preceding titles including “Murder at the Dolphin Hotel,” “Murder at Enderley Hall” and “Murder at the Playhouse.”
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“Every Crooked Nanny” by Mary Kay Andrews

Goodreads rating: 3.70/5 stars
About the book: “Every Crooked Nanny” by Mary Kay Andrews is a witty, Southern-flavored mystery in which a down-on-her-luck woman takes a nannying job that leads her into a web of family secrets, deception, and murder.
This book is the first in the “Callahan Garrity Mystery” series. There are 8 titles total by this author, with some succeeding titles including “To Live & Die in Dixie,” “Homemade Sin” and “Happy Never After.”
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“The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman

Goodreads rating: 3.88/5 stars
About the book: “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman follows a group of witty, elderly friends at a retirement village who meet weekly to solve cold cases, and are unexpectedly thrust into a real-life murder investigation that tests their sleuthing skills.
This book is the first in the “Thursday Murder Club” series. Other titles include “The Man Who Died Twice,” “The Bullet That Missed” and “The Last Devil to Die.”
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“Blueberry Muffin Murder” by Hannah Swensen

Goodreads rating: 3.90/5 stars
About the book: “Blueberry Muffin Murder” by Joanne Fluke is a cozy mystery where baker and amateur sleuth Hannah Swensen investigates the murder of a local delivery man, all while juggling her bakery business, family drama and romantic interests.
This book is the third in the “Hannah Swensen” 30-book series. Preceding titles include “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder” and “Strawberry Shortcake Murder,” with some following titles including “Lemon Meringue Pie Murder,” “Fudge Cupcake Murder” and “Sugar Cookie Murder.” How scrumptiously good!
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