Lilian Jackson Braun wrote mysteries, the kind that are cozy and delightful. Her Cat Who series is quite popular. If you want to discover authors who create stories with a similar gentle charm, keep reading.
Readers who enjoy Lilian Jackson Braun’s cozy mysteries could find Patricia Moyes equally delightful. Moyes is best known for her Inspector Henry Tibbett series, which blends charming settings with clever puzzle-solving mysteries.
In “Dead Men Don’t Ski,” Inspector Tibbett and his wife Emmy head to a picturesque ski resort in the Italian Alps for what should be a serene vacation. When a body turns up on the slopes, their holiday quickly becomes an engaging investigation.
Moyes creates vivid, likable characters and reveals the hidden conflicts beneath the resort’s tranquil surface. For readers who appreciate gentle suspense and thoughtful storytelling, Moyes’ work can offer a rewarding new experience.
Books by Carole Nelson Douglas offer a cozy mystery style that will appeal to readers who enjoy Lilian Jackson Braun’s “The Cat Who...” series.
In “Catnap,” the first book of Douglas’s Midnight Louie series, we meet Temple Barr, a lively public relations specialist living in Las Vegas, and Midnight Louie, a sharp-witted black tomcat with a talent for solving crimes.
When a famous cat disappears during a convention, Temple and her feline companion navigate the glamorous Las Vegas hotel scene to uncover clues.
Filled with humor, charm, and colorful characters, “Catnap” is an enjoyable read for anyone who appreciates mysteries enhanced by clever cats and lively settings.
Rita Mae Brown offers a charming and humorous style that readers of Lilian Jackson Braun will appreciate. Her mystery novel “Wish You Were Here” introduces Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, a sharp-witted postmistress with an irresistible curiosity for solving mysteries.
Set in the cozy Virginia town of Crozet, the story follows Harry as she uncovers strange connections behind a series of suspicious postcards linked to recent murders.
Alongside her observant cat Mrs. Murphy and loyal corgi Tee Tucker, Harry puzzles out clues and uncovers secrets beneath the town’s friendly facade.
Brown creates appealing human and animal characters, clever dialogue, and plots that warmly invite you into their quirky small-town community.
Laurie R. King writes smart, suspenseful mysteries that readers of Lilian Jackson Braun will happily appreciate. Her novel, “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice,” introduces readers to Mary Russell, a sharp and observant teenager who partners with the retired Sherlock Holmes.
Together, the two solve complex mysteries set in the early 20th century. In this opening story, Mary meets Holmes while wandering the Sussex Downs, and Holmes quickly recognizes her talent for deduction.
Soon, both become involved in a dangerous case that tests their skills and their unusual friendship. King’s attention to detail, clever plotting, and rich character development make each scene feel authentic and engaging.
Fans of Braun’s intelligent mysteries will find plenty to enjoy in King’s Mary Russell series.
If you enjoy Lilian Jackson Braun’s cozy mysteries filled with witty characters and charming small-town life, you’ll probably appreciate Susan Wittig Albert.
Her novel “Thyme of Death” introduces readers to China Bayles, a former big-city lawyer who leaves her high-pressure career behind. China opens an herb shop in a quaint Texas town, but when a close friend dies under suspicious circumstances, she can’t help but investigate.
Albert combines a warm, friendly setting, intriguing herbal lore, and engaging storytelling into an inviting mystery. For readers fond of Braun’s gentle suspense and delightful characters, “Thyme of Death” offers a fresh choice.
Donna Andrews writes mysteries that combine humor, charming settings, and wonderfully eccentric characters. In her book “Murder with Peacocks,” the first in her Meg Langslow series, Meg is roped into planning three summer weddings for her relatives.
As the event approaches, accidents pile up, tensions rise, and soon, murder crashes the celebrations. Andrews creates a delightful chaos around Meg, whose practicality and sharp wit shine brighter with every complication.
Readers who love Lilian Jackson Braun’s blend of cozy atmosphere and quirky personalities will find lots to enjoy in Andrews’ entertaining mysteries.
Nancy Atherton is an American author known for cozy mysteries filled with charm, humor, and a gentle touch of the supernatural. If you’re someone who enjoys Lilian Jackson Braun’s “The Cat Who” series, Atherton’s “Aunt Dimity’s Death” could be a great fit.
In this first installment, Lori Shepherd unexpectedly inherits a cottage in England from a woman she knew only from her mother’s stories. Lori heads to the quaint English village expecting a quiet stay.
Soon, strange happenings and hidden secrets turn her visit into a curious adventure. While there aren’t talking cats, there is Aunt Dimity herself—a friendly spirit who communicates her wisdom through an old blue journal.
The story blends intrigue, warmth, and subtle mystery in a way fans of Braun’s work will likely appreciate.
Readers who enjoy Lilian Jackson Braun’s cozy mysteries will find Charlotte MacLeod’s books equally charming and witty. MacLeod crafts mysteries filled with humor, interesting characters, and clever plots.
Her novel “Rest You Merry” introduces Professor Peter Shandy, a practical academic known for his love of botany and orderly life. This cozy Christmas-themed mystery begins when Shandy finds a dead body in his tastefully decorated home, which makes for a chaotic holiday season.
The book is entertaining, with quirky characters and amusing dialogues, perfect for readers who appreciate Braun’s light-hearted style.
Readers who enjoy Lilian Jackson Braun might also appreciate the cozy mysteries of M.C. Beaton. Beaton’s books have charm, humor, and intriguing plots set in inviting small communities.
In her novel “Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death,” we meet Agatha Raisin, a spirited retiree who moves into a quiet village in the Cotswolds.
At first, Agatha struggles to blend in with her new neighbors, and things worsen dramatically when her store-bought quiche accidentally poisons a judge during a local baking contest.
Determined to clear her reputation, Agatha decides to investigate and quickly discovers that the peaceful village hides secrets and quirky characters. Fans of charming mysteries set in friendly settings will find Agatha Raisin an entertaining character worth following.
Ellery Adams writes cozy mysteries that blend quirky characters, small-town charm, and intriguing puzzles. If you’re a fan of Lilian Jackson Braun’s “The Cat Who...” series, check out “Murder in the Mystery Suite,” the first book in Adams’s Book Retreat Mysteries.
The story introduces readers to Jane Steward, a single mom who turns her family estate into a book-themed resort. At her inaugural event, celebrating detective fiction, a rare manuscript is stolen, and murder turns up among her guests.
Readers get to explore secret passageways, hidden libraries, and literary clues as Jane tries to catch a killer before the cozy weekend becomes deadly.
If you enjoy Lilian Jackson Braun’s “The Cat Who...” mysteries, Miranda James offers another delightful series to explore. Miranda James, the pen name of author Dean James, crafts cozy mysteries full of charm and feline companionship.
In “Murder Past Due,” first of the “Cat in the Stacks” mysteries, readers meet librarian Charlie Harris and his lovable Maine Coon cat, Diesel.
Charlie returns to his Mississippi hometown to work in the university library, where he expects nothing more than quiet days cataloging archives.
But when a bestselling novelist and former classmate ends up murdered, Charlie and Diesel find themselves at the center of the investigation. Cozy mystery fans will appreciate this entertaining puzzle, warmly drawn characters, and, of course, plenty of feline moments.
Joanne Fluke is an author known for cozy mystery novels filled with warmth, humor, and delicious recipes. Her “Hannah Swensen” series introduces readers to Hannah, a friendly baker who finds herself unexpectedly involved in solving murders.
In “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder,” Hannah discovers a delivery driver’s body outside her bakery and becomes determined to uncover who committed the crime.
Set in the charming small town of Lake Eden, the book is full of clever sleuthing, engaging local characters, and comforting, home-baked treats—traits readers of Lilian Jackson Braun’s “The Cat Who” series will recognize and appreciate.
Leslie Meier is an author known for cozy mysteries set in charming small towns. If you enjoy Lilian Jackson Braun’s style of gentle, character-rich whodunits, Meier’s books may appeal to you.
A nice one to start with is “Mistletoe Murder,” where we meet Lucy Stone, a busy mom who moonlights as an amateur detective. Lucy gets wrapped up in a murder mystery during the holidays, after discovering a prominent town figure suspiciously dead.
The quaint Maine setting combined with relatable characters makes this a fun and engaging read, without overshadowing the puzzle at its core.
Books by Cleo Coyle offer warm and cozy mysteries set around the inviting charm of a café atmosphere, similar to Lilian Jackson Braun’s novels.
“On What Grounds,” the first book in Coyle’s “Coffeehouse Mystery” series, introduces Clare Cosi, a savvy single mom returning to manage the historic coffeehouse, Village Blend, in New York City.
After she discovers her assistant manager unconscious at the bottom of the basement stairs, authorities deem it an accident. Clare suspects otherwise. She begins examining the details surrounding the incident while navigating life as a mother, manager, and amateur detective.
Fans who enjoyed the community feel and charming characters of Braun’s “The Cat Who…” books will appreciate Clare’s everyday mysteries tinged with humor and coffee-shop warmth.
If you enjoy Lilian Jackson Braun’s cozy mysteries filled with quirky personalities, clever puzzles, and charming settings, you’ll appreciate Elizabeth Peters. Peters combines witty dialogue, historical intrigue, and lively characters in her Amelia Peabody series.
One good entry point is “Crocodile on the Sandbank.” The story introduces Amelia Peabody, an adventurous Victorian lady with a no-nonsense attitude, traveling through Egypt.
After discovering a mysterious mummy and dealing with suspicious incidents, Amelia teams up with Egyptologist Radcliffe Emerson.
Together, they confront danger, unravel clues, and engage in fun banter as they try to solve the strange occurrences surrounding their archaeological digs.
Peters creates a cozy yet exciting mystery wrapped in humorous exchanges and historical atmosphere that Braun fans will likely enjoy.