Elaine Viets writes mysteries that are just a delight to read. Her books often have a great sense of humor, interesting characters you actually care about, and plots that keep you guessing until the very end.
If you are a fan of her style and you want authors who write books with a similar feel, you are in luck. There are quite a few writers out there who offer similar kinds of stories.
Readers who enjoy Elaine Viets might also appreciate Donna Andrews and her humorous approach to mystery fiction. Andrews is known for her entertaining plots, sharp wit, and charming small-town settings.
In “Murder with Peacocks,” the first book in her Meg Langslow series, readers meet Meg, a blacksmith reluctantly drawn into organizing three weddings for her demanding relatives.
Amid the chaos of wedding preparations and quirky family dynamics, an unexpected murder puts Meg’s patience and problem-solving skills to the ultimate test. Andrews delivers laughs, twists, and a delightful cast of eccentric characters.
Readers who enjoy Elaine Viets’ cozy mysteries with lively characters and engaging plots will appreciate author Joanne Fluke.
Fluke’s series featuring Hannah Swensen, a bakery owner and amateur detective in the small town of Lake Eden, Minnesota, offers a charming blend of mystery and warmth.
In “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder,” the first book of the series, Hannah discovers a murder victim behind her bakery, surrounded by freshly baked cookies. As suspicion spreads among locals, Hannah juggles her baking duties and detective work to uncover the truth.
Fluke combines suspenseful mysteries, delightful recipes, and cozy small-town humor, creating a series fans of Viets are sure to enjoy.
Carolyn Hart writes mysteries filled with humor, wit, and memorable characters. Readers who enjoy Elaine Viets’ clever amateur sleuths and cozy community settings might find themselves right at home with Hart’s “Death on Demand.”
This is the first book in Hart’s popular series featuring Annie Laurance, a spirited bookstore owner who becomes entangled in a murder mystery when a well-known mystery author is found dead in her shop.
Annie teams up with Max Darling, a charming and witty investigator who adds both tension and chemistry as they sort through suspects, motives, and hidden secrets to uncover the truth. Hart’s characters bring warmth and humor, which cozy mystery fans often appreciate.
Readers who enjoy Elaine Viets might want to explore Diane Mott Davidson’s books. Davidson combines mystery with humor and food in her stories.
In “Catering to Nobody,” readers meet Goldy Bear, a caterer and single mom who unexpectedly finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. When her former father-in-law dies after tasting her food, suspicion falls on her work, and Goldy must clear her name.
With delicious recipes woven into the narrative, this cozy mystery sets the tone for Davidson’s series, offering readers both suspense and culinary charm.
Readers who enjoy Elaine Viets’ cozy mysteries featuring witty dialogue and engaging characters may appreciate Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity series. Atherton creates charming English village mysteries full of warmth, humor, and delightful characters.
In “Aunt Dimity’s Death,” readers meet Lori Shepherd, a relatable young woman unexpectedly inheriting a cottage in the Cotswolds from her late mother’s close friend, Dimity Westwood.
But there’s a catch: Aunt Dimity communicates from beyond the grave, leaving Lori puzzles and letters that slowly reveal a family mystery, hidden secrets, and the wisdom to overcome loss and rediscover hope.
If you favor mysteries that blend gentle suspense with cozy atmosphere and quirky characters, Nancy Atherton’s books might become a new favorite.
Readers who enjoy Elaine Viets’ humorous mysteries will likely appreciate M.C. Beaton’s witty detective stories. Beaton is known for creating lively and memorable characters in charming village or small-town settings.
Her book, “Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death,” introduces the sharp-tongued Agatha, who moves from London to the peaceful English Cotswolds.
Agatha expects quiet village life, but when a local baking competition turns deadly after someone ends up poisoned, she quickly finds herself drawn into solving the crime.
Beaton skillfully combines humor and suspense through quirky suspects, colorful surroundings, and clever twists.
Laura Childs writes engaging cozy mysteries filled with vivid small-town charm, memorable characters, and plenty of local flavor. If you enjoy Elaine Viets’ style of blending mystery with everyday humor, you’ll probably appreciate Childs’ “Death by Darjeeling.”
This book follows tea-shop owner Theodosia Browning in Charleston as she uncovers secrets behind a sudden death at a prestigious garden party.
With colorful descriptions of tasty treats, quirky townsfolk, and unexpected twists, the story keeps readers both entertained and eager to visit this cozy, tight-knit community again.
Readers who enjoy Elaine Viets’s humorous mystery style might also like Cleo Coyle and her Coffeehouse mystery series. In “On What Grounds,” Coyle introduces Clare Cosi, a witty coffee shop manager who returns to New York City to run the Village Blend, a historic café.
Clare’s plans quickly turn complicated when she finds her assistant unconscious at the bottom of the stairs. While solving the mystery behind this suspicious accident, Clare navigates family tensions, charming detectives, and the hustle of everyday Manhattan life.
Fans of cozy mysteries with relatable characters, smart dialogue, and an engaging storyline will likely find Cleo Coyle’s books entertaining and enjoyable.
If you enjoy Elaine Viets’ blend of cozy mysteries and witty character interactions, Katherine Hall Page might be a great discovery.
Page’s “The Body in the Belfry” introduces Faith Fairchild, a sharp and insightful amateur detective transplanted from bustling Manhattan to a quiet New England village. She’s expecting a slower pace, but things take a turn when she discovers a body in the church belfry.
The picturesque setting, playful humor, and lively townspeople make this murder mystery entertaining to follow. Faith, who runs a catering business, also sprinkles her sleuthing adventures with charming descriptions of mouthwatering dishes you’ll wish you could taste yourself.
If you enjoy Elaine Viets’ blend of humor, suspense, and smart mysteries, Victoria Laurie might be another author worth exploring. Laurie crafts delightful stories filled with engaging characters and quirky plots.
Her novel “Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye” introduces Abby, a gifted psychic who uses her intuition to help clients navigate tricky situations. But when a session hints at murder, Abby finds herself in a dangerous investigation, caught between skeptical detectives and real threats.
The book smoothly balances humor, suspense, and psychic intrigue, a combination fans of Elaine Viets are likely to appreciate.
Julie Hyzy crafts mysteries filled with humor, relatable characters and sharp dialogue perfect for anyone who enjoys Elaine Viets’s clever writing style. In Hyzy’s series opener “State of the Onion,” White House assistant chef Olivia Paras dreams of becoming executive chef.
When she unexpectedly witnesses a security threat, Olivia finds herself involved in a dangerous intrigue.
Amid tantalizing recipes and glimpses behind the scenes at the White House, Hyzy layers in suspense, charm and surprises to keep readers turning pages and eager for the next installment.
Books by Miranda James offer enjoyable mysteries wrapped in warmth and humor. Much like Elaine Viets, James crafts cozy settings with characters readers genuinely root for.
In “Murder Past Due,” librarian Charlie Harris moves to his hometown in Mississippi with his loyal Maine Coon cat, Diesel. When a famous but disliked novelist returns and ends up dead, Charlie and Diesel step in to sort out secrets and uncover the truth.
With engaging characters, an appealing small-town atmosphere, and a feline companion adding charm, fans of Viets’ work will find plenty to appreciate in Miranda James’ books.
Lorna Barrett creates charming cozy mysteries perfect for readers who enjoy Elaine Viets’ style of witty, engaging storytelling. Her Booktown Mystery series begins with “Murder is Binding,” set in Stoneham, New Hampshire—a town famous for its bookstore-lined streets.
Tricia Miles moves to Stoneham after leaving the bustle of New York City behind. When she opens her own mystery bookshop called Haven’t Got a Clue, she never expects a real murder right next door. Tricia becomes determined to find out the truth when suspicion falls on her.
Filled with bookish charm, intriguing characters, and a satisfying puzzle, Barrett’s novel introduces readers to a delightful town and a mystery that will keep them guessing.
Leigh Perry writes cozy mysteries that combine humor, clever sleuthing, and a touch of the unusual. Fans of Elaine Viets may appreciate Perry’s engaging storytelling and lively characters.
In “A Skeleton in the Family,” readers meet Georgia Thackery, an adjunct professor and single mom who moves back into her parents’ house. There, she reconnects with Sid, a witty skeleton who literally lives in the family closet.
When they discover that Sid was once human and a victim of murder, Georgia teams up with Sid to investigate his mysterious past. This story offers a mix of quirky charm, humor, and intriguing twists.
Readers who enjoy Elaine Viets’ cozy mysteries filled with humor and charm may also appreciate Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone series. Meier crafts engaging stories set in the quaint town of Tinker’s Cove, Maine.
In “Mistletoe Murder,” readers meet Lucy Stone, a busy mom and part-time reporter who juggles family life and investigative instincts.
When Lucy stumbles upon a local businessman dead under suspicious circumstances just before Christmas, she finds herself wrapped up in solving the crime.
This holiday-themed mystery combines small-town warmth, relatable characters, and entertaining plot twists that keep readers eager to turn each page.