Do you love Denise Swanson’s mysteries? Her books often feature small towns, close-knit communities, and characters that feel like old friends.
If you are looking for authors who write books with a similar feel, perhaps with engaging puzzles and a comforting tone, you are in the right place.
Joanne Fluke writes cozy mysteries that blend small-town charm, quirky characters, and tempting recipes. Her popular Hannah Swensen series starts with “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder.” Hannah owns a delightful bakery called The Cookie Jar in a little Minnesota town.
When her cozy corner suddenly becomes the center of a puzzling crime, Hannah steps into the role of an amateur sleuth. Her adventures are laced with clever clues, gentle humor, and mouthwatering recipes.
Fans of Denise Swanson’s lively, small-town mysteries filled with warmth, humor, and unexpected twists will find Joanne Fluke’s novels equally enjoyable.
Laura Childs writes cozy mysteries filled with charming small-town settings, memorable characters, and engaging plots. Readers who enjoy Denise Swanson’s warm, inviting storytelling may find Childs equally enjoyable.
In her book “Death by Darjeeling,” Theodosia Browning owns the quaint Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston. When a prominent local developer drops dead after sipping tea at an event catered by her shop, Theodosia becomes determined to clear her business’s name.
This mystery combines the charm of Southern traditions with tea-inspired recipes and intriguing clues to keep readers hooked page after page.
Ellery Adams writes delightful cozy mysteries filled with charm, warmth, and intriguing plots. In her novel “Murder in the Mystery Suite,” readers enter the world of Storyton Hall, an elegant hotel devoted to lovers of books and literature.
When guests arrive for a weekend celebrating rare detective fiction, they anticipate solving playful mysteries—not investigating real crimes.
However, after a murder occurs within the hotel’s walls, manager Jane Steward finds herself pulled into a puzzle she must solve to protect her beloved inn and guests.
Fans of Denise Swanson’s Scumble River mysteries will find plenty to enjoy in Adams’ smart, likable characters and cozy small-town feel.
Readers who enjoy Denise Swanson’s cozy mysteries filled with small-town charm and intriguing puzzles will also appreciate Lorna Barrett. Barrett is known for her Booktown Mystery series, set in Stoneham, a quaint New Hampshire community famous for its bookstores.
In “Murder is Binding,” we meet Tricia Miles, owner of a mystery bookstore called Haven’t Got a Clue. Tricia becomes involved in solving a real-life crime when her neighbor, a cookbook shop owner, is found dead.
Barrett combines memorable characters and plenty of twists into a smart, entertaining mystery perfect for cozy mystery fans.
Books by Leighann Dobbs often deliver cozy mysteries filled with humor, small-town charm, and quirky, lovable characters. Fans of Denise Swanson’s blend of mystery and community spirit will appreciate Dobbs’ style.
In “Killer Cupcakes,” Lexy Baker runs a cozy bakery in a quaint town, but when a dead body appears near her shop, suspicion falls onto her cupcakes and even onto Lexy herself.
Lexy must solve the mystery to clear her name, guided by her hilarious grandmother and a cast of endearing neighbors. This story offers exactly the blend of twists, humor, and comfort that cozy mystery fans love.
If you enjoy Denise Swanson’s cozy mysteries, you might also appreciate the warm and inviting stories by Dianne Harman. Her book “Murder in Cottage #6” introduces readers to Liz Lucas, a woman who runs a charming cottage-style inn.
When guests arrive expecting peace and comfort, an unexpected murder shakes up the small-town tranquility. Liz finds herself involved in solving the mystery, balancing everyday inn-keeping duties with tracking down secrets hidden among her eccentric visitors.
Harman combines a strong female protagonist, enjoyable plot twists, and a relaxed coastal setting, making it an effortless, cozy read.
Carolyn Haines is a mystery author known for her entertaining and often humorous Southern mysteries. Readers who enjoy Denise Swanson’s books, with their relatable characters and engaging small-town settings, might appreciate Haines’ “Them Bones.”
This is the first book in her Sarah Booth Delaney series. Sarah Booth is bright, funny, and struggling to hold onto her family’s Mississippi estate. To pay bills, she starts unofficially investigating a local, decades-old murder.
Soon she runs into plenty of suspects, quirky locals, and strange twists. Fans of charming mysteries filled with humor, secrets, and Southern charm will likely have fun visiting Sarah Booth’s world.
Readers who appreciate Denise Swanson’s cozy mysteries will likely enjoy Nancy Atherton’s warm and whimsical style in her “Aunt Dimity’s Death.”
This cozy mystery introduces Lori Shepherd, a young woman struggling with personal setbacks, who unexpectedly inherits a charming English cottage from Aunt Dimity—a woman she had only known from bedtime stories.
Upon her arrival, Lori discovers Aunt Dimity’s unusual legacy includes a mystery that connects to her family’s past, along with delightful hints of gentle supernatural touches.
Atherton creates a comforting blend of mystery, friendship, and gentle humor that fans of Swanson’s work will find inviting and familiar.
Books by M.C. Beaton offer cozy mysteries full of charming small towns and quirky characters, perfect for readers who enjoy Denise Swanson’s Scumble River series.
In “Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death,” Agatha Raisin leaves her busy life in London for the picturesque English Cotswolds, expecting quiet village life. Things quickly get complicated when a baking contest ends with one of the judges poisoned by Agatha’s own quiche.
Determined to clear her name, Agatha uncovers local gossip, hidden grudges, and plenty of twists. M.C. Beaton creates a fun and cozy atmosphere, gentle humor, and plenty of intrigue along the way.
Readers who enjoy Denise Swanson’s humorous mysteries will appreciate Kylie Logan’s lively storytelling in the cozy mystery genre. Logan blends engaging characters, witty dialogue, and inviting small-town settings.
In “Mayhem at the Orient Express,” readers meet Bea Cartwright, owner of a quirky bed-and-breakfast with rooms decorated to celebrate famous books. When a murder occurs during their Agatha Christie-themed event, Bea must sort through secrets and suspects to identify the killer.
Filled with bookish charm and clever twists, Logan’s mystery will delight fans who appreciate humor mixed with suspense.
Victoria Thompson writes historical mysteries filled with character depth and vibrant settings. Readers who enjoy Denise Swanson’s cozy mysteries and engaging small-town dynamics may appreciate Thompson’s vivid sense of location and strong characters.
In her book “Murder on Astor Place,” midwife Sarah Brandt steps into an investigation after a young wealthy woman is murdered in late 19th-century New York City.
Through her sleuthing partnership with police detective Frank Malloy, Sarah uncovers secrets of the city’s upper-class society, making for an entertaining mystery rich in historical detail.
If you enjoy Denise Swanson’s cozy mysteries set in charming small towns, Maddie Day might be an author you’ll appreciate.
Day’s “Flipped for Murder” introduces readers to Robbie Jordan, a warm-hearted chef who opens a country store and restaurant called Pans 'N Pancakes in the quiet town of South Lick, Indiana.
Robbie finds herself involved in the mystery surrounding a local murder, when suspicion points to her own freshly launched business. This book gives readers a blend of humor, friendly neighbors, inviting recipes, and a mystery that twists down unexpected paths.
Readers who enjoy Denise Swanson’s cozy mysteries filled with humor and engaging characters might appreciate Dorothy Cannell’s style. Cannell is known for her delightful mysteries that blend charm, wit, and relatable protagonists.
In her book “The Thin Woman,” Ellie Simons faces unexpected pressure when invited to a family reunion. Determined to appear successful and thin, Ellie agrees to a risky arrangement with her eccentric escort.
Soon, the situation spirals into deception, intrigue, and a surprising mystery related to a hidden family fortune. This lively and humorous tale combines family drama with puzzle-solving fun, making Cannell’s work a good match for fans of Swanson’s stories.
Readers who enjoy Denise Swanson’s cozy mysteries might find Rhys Bowen a delightful addition to their reading list. Bowen creates stories featuring witty characters and vivid historical settings.
Her novel “Her Royal Spyness” introduces Lady Georgiana, a young, broke noblewoman in 1930s London. Georgie juggles her odd royal duties with humor and charm while accidentally uncovering criminal plots in high society.
Bowen mixes intriguing mysteries with playful banter and a touch of romance, making “Her Royal Spyness” an entertaining and captivating read.
Readers who enjoy Denise Swanson’s cozy mysteries may also appreciate Miranda James and the charming southern setting of the “Cat in the Stacks” series. A good place to start is the first book, “Murder Past Due.”
It features librarian Charlie Harris, who moves back home to Athena, Mississippi, accompanied by his laid-back Maine Coon cat named Diesel.
When a famous author—and Charlie’s former high school classmate—returns and dies suddenly under suspicious circumstances, Charlie and Diesel become involved in the investigation.
The small-town atmosphere, relatable characters, and gentle humor offer a reading experience similar to Swanson’s enjoyable stories.