Here is a list of some Cozy mystery authors:
Agatha Christie is a master at crafting cozy mysteries that keep readers hooked. In her book “The Murder at the Vicarage,” she introduces Miss Marple, an elderly woman with a knack for solving crimes.
The story is set in the quiet village of St. Mary Mead, where the local vicar discovers a body in his study. The victim, Colonel Protheroe, wasn’t well liked, and nearly everyone in the village seems to have a reason to want him gone.
Miss Marple observes the people around her, piecing together their motives and secrets in a way that seems so simple but is far from it. The charm of the village mixed with the twists makes this a perfect introduction to her world of puzzles.
Dorothy L. Sayers was a master of classic mysteries, and one of her best-known works is “The Nine Tailors.”
In this novel, Lord Peter Wimsey stumbles upon a small village after his car breaks down and becomes involved in a peculiar mystery centered around church bells and a long-buried secret.
The death of a stranger and a missing treasure tie into the complex art of English bell-ringing. The story takes readers into the heart of village life, with its traditions and quiet tensions, as Wimsey unravels the truth behind the stranger’s death.
Ngaio Marsh was a master of classic mysteries, and her books often feel cozy with their mix of charm and crime. In “A Man Lay Dead,” she introduces Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn.
The story begins with guests gathering for a weekend at a country house, where a murder interrupts their planned activities. What’s fun about this one is the setting—a house party with a game of “Murder,” which turns real when someone ends up dead.
Alleyn’s calm demeanor and sharp observations keep the investigation steady, and the mix of social settings and secrets makes it engaging.
Margery Allingham is known for her Albert Campion mysteries, which mix charm and cleverness with a dash of danger. In her book “The Case of the Late Pig,” Campion is invited to investigate a murder in a quiet village. The odd thing?
The victim, a gruff bully nicknamed Pig Peters, had supposedly died months earlier and was already buried. The story unfolds with quirky local characters, strange coincidences, and a twisty trail of clues.
Campion’s wit and sharp eye for detail keep the case moving toward an unexpected conclusion.
Joanne Fluke is known for her cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuth and baker Hannah Swensen. In “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder,” Hannah runs a bakery in a small town where everyone seems to know each other.
Her peaceful life takes a turn when she finds a delivery truck driver dead behind her shop. With her love for sweets and a knack for asking questions, Hannah uncovers secrets buried in the town while testing out cookie recipes.
The mix of murder and mouthwatering desserts keeps the story entertaining from start to finish.
Alexander McCall Smith is known for creating lighthearted mysteries filled with warmth and humor. In “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” Precious Ramotswe sets up her detective business in Botswana, determined to help those in her community solve their problems.
Her first cases include a missing husband, a wayward daughter, and a possible kidnapping involving a local doctor. Precious uses her intuition and common sense to navigate the challenges, revealing her deep understanding of human nature and her love for her homeland.
Rhys Bowen is known for writing cozy mysteries that are easy to sink into. One of her delightful books is “Her Royal Spyness.” The story follows Lady Georgiana Rannoch, a penniless royal living in 1930s London.
She’s 34th in line to the throne but struggling to make ends meet while navigating the expectations of high society. When a guest is found dead in her family home, Georgie gets pulled into solving the mystery.
The mix of royal scandals, quirky characters, and a house full of secrets make for an entertaining read.
Laura Childs writes cozy mysteries that pull you into charming settings with unexpected twists.
In her book “Steeped in Evil,” tea shop owner Theodosia Browning finds herself caught up in another murder mystery when a lavish wine-tasting event ends with the vineyard owner’s son found dead.
Between running a bustling tea shop and hosting events, Theo starts unraveling clues connected to the victim’s life. With a blend of Southern charm and plenty of suspects, this story keeps you guessing as Theo works to uncover the truth.
Ellery Adams is known for cozy mysteries that bring together books, food, and small-town charm. In “The Secret, Book & Scone Society,” she introduces Nora Pennington, a woman who runs a bookshop in the quaint town of Miracle Springs.
Nora has a knack for picking the perfect book for anyone in emotional pain. When a man dies under suspicious circumstances, Nora teams up with three other women to uncover the truth. Each of these women has her own secrets, and their bond grows as they work to solve the mystery.
The story gives readers a mix of friendship, small-town life, and a bit of danger.
Lilian Jackson Braun has a charming series of cozy mysteries featuring an intelligent and quirky Siamese cat named Koko and his owner, former crime reporter Jim Qwilleran. In “The Cat Who Played Brahms,” Qwilleran heads to a lakeside cabin for a quiet retreat.
His vacation takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon an unusual death that doesn’t seem accidental. Koko’s strange behavior and knack for uncovering clues point Qwilleran toward a bigger mystery.
The mix of a peaceful small-town setting and an intriguing whodunit keeps the pages turning.
Nancy Atherton is the author of the “Aunt Dimity” series, a set of cozy mysteries filled with warmth and charm. In “Aunt Dimity’s Death,” Lori Shepherd, a struggling young woman, discovers that her late mother’s childhood friend, Aunt Dimity, left her an inheritance.
This unexpected twist sends Lori to a small English village, where she stays in a charming cottage and uncovers secrets from Aunt Dimity’s life through a handwritten journal. The story blends village life, an unusual ghostly connection, and a mystery tied to long-buried letters.
It’s the kind of tale where the setting feels alive, and the characters pull you right into their world.
Susan Wittig Albert is well-known for her cozy mysteries featuring charming small towns and clever protagonists. In “Thyme of Death,” readers meet China Bayles, a former attorney turned herb shop owner in the quiet Texas town of Pecan Springs.
When her good friend Jo Gilbert appears to have taken her own life, China starts to wonder if there’s more to the story. As she looks into Jo’s past and the people in her life, China discovers secrets that could explain what really happened.
The mix of herb lore and hometown drama makes this mystery a delightful escape.
M.C. Beaton is well-known for her cozy mysteries, and “Death of a Gossip” is a great example of her work. Set in the charming Scottish Highlands, it introduces Hamish Macbeth, a laid-back village constable.
When a wealthy, sharp-tongued gossip joins a fishing class in the small town of Lochdubh, her meddling and insults leave a trail of enemies. When she turns up dead, Hamish finds himself untangling secrets and surprising connections within the group.
The story has a cozy atmosphere, local quirks, and plenty of clever twists.
Rita Mae Brown is known for her cozy mysteries that often feature a touch of humor and a sense of community. In her book “Wish You Were Here,” she introduces readers to Mary Minor Haristeen, or “Harry,” a small-town postmistress in Virginia.
Harry’s curious nature leads her to uncover clues hidden in strange postcards, which seem linked to local murders. Her pets, Mrs. Murphy the cat and Tucker the dog, have a knack for noticing things Harry misses, and their antics play a key role in solving the mystery.
The story blends charm, small-town quirks, and lighthearted suspense.
Jenn McKinlay writes cozy mysteries full of charm and wit. In her book, “Books Can Be Deceiving,” readers are introduced to Lindsey Norris, the new library director in the small town of Briar Creek.
Lindsey is settling into her new job when her friend Beth is accused of murder after a bestselling author is found dead. The tranquil seaside town quickly fills with gossip and accusations as Lindsey tries to clear Beth’s name.
Between library events, quirky townsfolk, and hidden secrets, the story keeps you guessing while capturing the warmth of a close-knit community.
Victoria Thompson writes cozy mysteries that often blend historical settings with clever crimes. In her book “Murder on Astor Place,” midwife Sarah Brandt, living in turn-of-the-century New York, discovers a murder connected to one of her wealthy clients.
As she assists the brooding Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy, Sarah uncovers family secrets and societal unrest, painting a vivid picture of the time.
The story weaves Sarah’s sharp instincts with the gritty backdrop of Manhattan, creating a mystery grounded in both personal and historical stakes.
Donna Andrews is known for her delightful cozy mysteries, and “Murder with Puffins” is no exception. The story follows Meg Langslow as she takes a trip to a small island off the coast of Maine with her boyfriend, Michael, only to stumble across a murder.
The island, cut off by a storm, is home to eccentric characters and flocks of puffins. As Meg tries to piece together what happened, secrets begin to emerge, and the isolation adds a sense of urgency to solving the mystery.
The quirky humor and charming setting make this a fun read for anyone who enjoys lighthearted mysteries.
Hannah Dennison writes cozy mysteries that pull you into charming small-town settings. In “Murder at Honeychurch Hall,” the story kicks off when Kat Stanford, an antique expert, moves to the English countryside to be closer to her recently widowed mother.
Instead of peace and quiet, she finds herself tangled in scandal and secrets surrounding the quirky residents of Honeychurch Hall.
There are rumors of ghostly sightings and centuries-old feuds, and when a body turns up, Kat has no choice but to dig into the past to unravel the truth. It’s a fun mix of family dramas and quirky old estates.
G.A. McKevett is known for her cozy mysteries featuring Savannah Reid, a strong-willed private investigator with a knack for solving crimes. In “Murder à la Mode,” Savannah takes on a case in the cutthroat world of fashion.
A glamorous designer is found dead under suspicious circumstances, and Savannah is hired to uncover the truth. Beyond the glitz and sparkle of the industry, she encounters jealous rivals, shady deals, and secrets that everyone wants to keep buried.
With help from her best friend Dirk and her quirky Southern charm, Savannah uncovers surprising motives and hidden connections while keeping the humor alive.
Sherry Harris writes cozy mysteries that are full of charm and small-town intrigue. In her book “Tagged for Death,” Sarah Winston’s life takes a turn after her divorce from her Air Force husband.
She starts running garage sales in a small New England town but gets pulled into a different kind of mess when her ex’s girlfriend vanishes. As Sarah tries to untangle the mystery, she discovers clues hidden in ordinary places and faces questions about her ex’s true character.
The mix of community quirks and unexpected twists makes the story hard to put down.