We’re just about at the end of May, so it’s time to discuss our favorite Cozies that we’ve read this month!
If you read a Cozy mystery this month and want to recommend it to the rest of us, be sure to post it here! For this month, I read the first entry of Ginger Bolton’s Deputy Donut Mystery Series. For the reasons I want to recommend it, be sure to check out the blog entry!
So, what have you been reading that you can recommend in May? Please be sure to tell us why you liked these Cozies so much. I know we’re all always on the lookout for more particularly good Cozy Mystery authors! (If you have a lot of Cozies you think are great, please post the ones you like the most at the top of the list.)
As always, please do not tell us about the Cozy Mysteries you did not like.
What really good Cozy Mystery did you read during May 2020 that you want the rest of us to know about, and why did you enjoy it?
Ellery Adams (aka J. B. Stanley, Jennifer Stanley, & 1/2 of Lucy Arlington): Secret, Book & Scone Society Mystery Series
Bree Baker (aka Jacqueline Frost, Julie Chase, & Julie Anne Lindsey): Seaside Cafe Mystery Series
Ginger Bolton (aka Janet Bolin): Deputy Donut Mystery Series
Melissa Bourbon (aka Winnie Archer & Misa Ramirez): Magical Dressmaking Mystery Series
Emily Brightwell: Mrs. Jeffries Mystery Series
Laura Childs (aka Gerry Schmitt): Tea Shop Mystery Series
Kate Collins: Goddess of Green St. Mystery Series
Elizabeth Spann Craig (aka Riley Adams & Elizabeth Craig): Myrtle Clover Mystery Series
Bill Crider: Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mystery Series
Jeanne M. Dams: Dorothy Martin Mystery Series
Diane Mott Davidson: Goldy Bear Mystery Series
Krista Davis: Domestic Diva Mystery Series
Vicki Delany (aka Eva Gates): Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery Series
Jana DeLeon: Miss Fortune Mystery Series
Monica Ferris (aka Mary Monica Pulver & half of the duo Margaret Frazer): Needlecraft Mystery Series
Eva Gates (aka Vicki Delany): Lighthouse Library Mystery Series
Daryl Wood Gerber (aka Avery Aames): Cookbook Nook Mystery Series
Heather Day Gilbert: Murder in the Mountains Mystery Series (first entry Miranda Warning)
Sally Goldenbaum: Seaside Knitters Mystery Series
Juliana Gray: Emmeline Truelove Mystery Series (first entry A Most Extraordinary Pursuit)
H.Y. Hanna: English Cottage Garden Mystery Series (first entry Deadhead and Buried)
Lee Hollis: Hailey Powell Mystery Series
Gayle Leeson (aka Gayle Trent & Amanda Lee): Ghostly Fashionista Mystery Series
Dale Mayer: Lovely Lethal Gardens Mystery Series (first entry Arsenic in the Azaleas)
Jenn McKinlay (aka Josie Belle & Lucy Lawrence): Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series
Amy Patricia Meade: Marjorie McClelland Mystery Series
Alexis Morgan: Abby McCree Mystery Series (first entry Death by Committee)
M. Ruth Myers: The Whiskey Tide
Carlene O’Connor: Irish Village Mystery Series
Holly Quinn: Handcrafted Mystery Series (first entry A Crafter Knits a Clue)
Paige Shelton: Scottish Bookshop Mystery Series
[If you click on the author’s name (blue) link, it will take you to his/her page on the Cozy Mystery site. The pages have all of the authors’ books listed chronologically.]
I will list the authors and series that have been recommended, but I urge you to read the comments below so you can see the reasons other Cozy Mystery readers thought these were their best reads of the month.
♦To access more Cozy Mystery Books Recommendations, click on this link♦
P.S. I usually don’t comment on your recommendations since they speak for themselves.
Diane Drummond says
I just read the first two of a 3 book series from Mandy Roth, The Grimm Cove series. Really fun to read and fast moving.
Kim says
I just discovered the Country Club Murders and it’s my favorite cozy! I’m trying to space them out so I don’t finish the series too fast.
Lee Ann says
Who writes that series?
Izzy says
My husband and I share an Audible account and I usually do the selecting. Lately, I have chosen favorite mystery writers and been disappointed in the rising level of brutality and bad language from authors whom I used to enjoy. This makes your list much more necessary and appreciated! Thank you so much!! My favorites always include mysteries where the police are clever and resourceful. More, please. Thank you, too, for the movie list!!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Izzy, you’re welcome!
KG says
We have been under Stay at Home orders for 74 days, so I have been reading, doing jigsaws, and watching movies on Netflix. Luckily I was able to read two books by my favorite authors.
Death of A Blueberry Tart by Lee Hollis. Haley Powell, a food and cocktail columnist is now married. Hayley’s mom, Sheila, pays a visit and becomes the prime suspect in a murder.
Hayley teams up with her BFFs Liddy and Mona to clear her mother’s name, Sheila reunites with Liddy and Mona’s moms for their own amateur sleuthing. The race is on between the moms and the daughters to find out who is the real killer. Good series and funny but not unrealistically so.
The Diva Spices It Up by Krista Davis is the latest in the Domestic Diva Series. It does not disappoint. Sophie takes a break from event planning to be a cookbook ghost writer so that she can remodel her bathroom. The previous ghost writer vanished and Sophie becomes embroiled in several mysteries including clearing her ex – husband as a suspect in a murder. I like this series because of the setting and characters.
Zhahn says
Reading A Strange Scottish Shore by Juliana Gray–part cozy with some romance. I appreciate her writing style, atmosphere of a Scottish castle and intriguing plot.
Ann says
Ginger Bolton has a 4th book in the Deputy Donut series due out August 25th. It’s called Boston Scream Murder.
Kate says
I’ve been reading the Monica Ferris embroidery/needlepoint mystery series. Thoroughly enjoying the cast of characters and the plots are so varied with interesting and informative skill and caring for tips even for someone like myself who collects needlepoint pieces but doesn’t actually do the work. Makes you appreciate them even more!!
Kivara says
I’ve not been reading as much lately, with now homeschooling my kids with all this craziness going on in the world (hope you’re all safe and well!!)
I have read some of Emily Brightwell’s Mrs. Jeffries series and Ellie Alexander’s Sloan Krauss series and Bakeshop Mystery series.
Looking forward to seeing what everyone else is reading *these are my fave posts. I have been introduced to so many amazing books/authors/series, thanks to these posts.)
Thanks for all you do for us with this site!
Mel. M. says
Bree Baker writes a cozy Seaside mystery series. It takes place beach side North Carolina. The main character is owner of an Iced Tea shop (seriously, what could be more southern?) Of course murder mystery ensues as well as a touch of romance. These books have been a perfect, relaxing escape amidst my isolated spring so far!
Loved the series so far!
Sally Fortney says
I read The Diva Spices It Up by Krista Davis. Besides the usual friends and food, this had some spy stuff. Also frenemy Natasha was more interesting and less annoying. I’m anxious to see how things develop with her in the next book.
Sylvia Mayfield says
There’s a fun paranormal mystery series I found. Finished the first 3 in the series this month I’ll probably go back for more. The name of the series is Max Porter Paranormal Mysteries. Max and his wife solve the mysteries with the help of the ghost of a murdered detective. It’s funny and the stories are great. If you have a chance, give them a try.
michelle wiekrykas says
I read the 4 books in the series by Ann Patricia Meade the first one was Million Dollar Baby. There set in earlier times and they are like the old Nick and Nora mysteries. I love those these remind you of the funny sparring couples. Hope someone else enjoys them.
Melanie S says
Secret Book and Scone Society series by Ellery Adams. I chose these after finishing her Book Retreat Mystery series. I appreciate the way she develops her characters and that she has an unexpected twist without cheating and throwing an unknown in at the end.
I also enjoyed “Whiskey Tide” by M. Ruth Myers. Her “Maggie Sullivan” series is a lot of fun–set in depression era Dayton Ohio. Cozy mysteries with historical fiction and an ahead-of-her-time protagonist as a private detective.
Cathie M. says
Dale Mayer’s Lethal Garden series. Unexpected mysteries abound throughout the books. The writing pulls you in; the characters keep you turning the pages.
( Is that the correct term for an e-book?) Delightful series!
Cathie M. says
Jana DeLeon’s Miss Fortune series. Laugh out loud each and every e-book. The characters are larger than life as they leap, run and generally cause one disaster after another in the most satisfying and delightful ways, all the while solving the mysteries thrown at them. We should all have some of these characters in our lives!
Susy S says
I read the first book in the series this month and laughed myself silly. I love that the older ladies seem to really run the town and the revelation at the end was epic. I can hardly wait to get my hands on more of them.
MJ says
May Recommendations – 2020
First of all, I wanted to comment on this in the April recommendations, but didn’t. Are you reading books in context of our current conditions? I find it oddly weird that I am. Every time someone gives another person a hug or handshake in the story, I think, “Hey, don’t do that!” Or if they’re in a crowd, I think, “Are you wearing your masks?” Dining together in a restaurant? “OH NO! Are you spaced properly?” Actually I find it a distraction as I read (but I do laugh at myself for these peculiar disruptions). WEIRD, I know!
Murder in an Irish Cottage – Carlene O’Connor
This series is set in Ireland (guess you couldn’t figure that out by the title!). I love, love, love the characters. The O’Sullivan family runs a small restaurant after the death of their parents. Siobhan is the de facto head of the family………….the mother figure to her younger siblings.
Siobhan has pursued schooling to become a ‘guard’ (policeman/detective). I admire her intelligence, wit, honesty, and especially her well-defined independence!
Siobhan is engaged to Macdara Flannary, another guard. Their dedication to each other is well written. Macdara’s aunt is murdered in a nearby community. His blind cousin is a suspect. Of course, they don’t have any jurisdiction in this community to investigate this crime. But, Siobhan takes the lead in solving the murder.
I can’t even begin to explain the complexity of this story with all its intricate story lines. It is VERY well written. Suffice it to say, this is a real page turner and the reader stays glued to the pages! A truly entertaining read. To really understand the characters, you should start the series with the first book.
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Dagger Before Me – Jeanne Dams
For those that like a straight mystery a Dams book is always a good choice. These are set in England. I recently recommended the series to a friend who enjoys mysteries set in England. She is so excited to find a long series she can enjoy (and, she loves them) in our current ‘stay at home’ climate.
It’s a MUST that you read the ‘author’s notes’ at the beginning. She comments that she enjoys writing a descriptive travelogue in her books, which she does. In this book, however, she lets the reader know that the first 8 chapters are more or less dedicated to her picturesque portrayals. She suggests you jump to chapter 9 to start reading if you are mainly interested in the mystery. Actually, I read the first couple of chapters, but then, did jump to chapter 9.
Delightful isn’t a word I usually ascribe to a Dams mystery. But in this case, it’s what I thought. Probably because three children are front and center throughout the story. It’s also set around Christmas.
Dorothy and Alan travel to Suffolk to attend a christening because they are the godparents. They stay in the mansion with the family. A family heirloom dagger is missing, a crucial part to the christening’s tradition.
As you can guess, a murder is committed and a dagger is involved. The father is a suspect. There are many curves in the story, backgrounds unveiled, and a household full of ‘delightful’ characters.
It’s an enjoyable read. Dams’ books can be read as a ‘stand alone’. For those that like ‘shorter reads’, this is only 206 pages. REALLY short if you skip the first 8 chapters!
BTW, Danna, you don’t have Dam’s 22nd book, “Death in Garden City” or the 23rd book, “Death Comes to Durham” (release date 7/2/20) on her list at the author site.
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Design on Murder – Gayle Leeson
I’m just going to briefly mention this book. It’s the first in a new series involving a ‘ghost’ (which usually is a turn-off for me). But since I like this author, I decided to read it.
Amanda Tucker opens her dress design business in a historical building that houses several other businesses. A woman who died in the 1930’s resides in this building (thus, the ghost). The owner of another business in the building is murdered. (Those are the basics, folks!). It’s an engaging mystery with a surprise ending.
The characters are developed fairly well and their interactions are well written. This author writes with humor, making this story pleasurable reading. I, for one, am looking forward to the next book in this series. It’s “Perils and Lace”, recently released in April.
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Lavender Blue Murder – Laura Child
Will the original Theodosia ever return? I doubt it, the metamorphosis has been going on for last several books. Those of us that are fans of this series notice the subtle changes (I, for one, am not pleased about it). It’s a transformation of a classy, highly intelligent southern woman into one that has a lot more ‘crass’ (sometimes obnoxious). It’s not that this character is objectionable – she isn’t, she’s just different. She’s now always referred to as Theodosia, just mentioning ‘Theo’ a couple (I think 2, maybe 3) of times. In majority of the books she was ‘Theo’ most of the time to her friends and coworkers. Also, the original Theo would never be romantically interested in this wimpy detective, lacking strength of character.
HOWEVER, the mystery is very good. As per this author’s formula the murder takes place at an event in the first chapter. Theodosia and Drayton are attending an English shooting party at a nearby estate. The owner of the estate is shot and dies. This plot really thickens as the story moves along. There’s also a suspected kidnapping of the victim’s daughter-in-law. The story flows easily with several twists. I think it’s possible to figure out the ‘culprit’, but it’s only a guess at best, until the final chapters.
Candace J Carter says
I really enjoyed “Too Late to Die,” the first in Bill Crider’s Sheriff Dan Rhodes series. I love the quirky characters, the western feel, the dry humor. The small Texas town makes a great character, too.
Patti Gardner says
I read the first 2 books in Heather Day Gilbert’s “Murder in the Mountains” series. The first is called “Miranda Warning.” The second is “Trial by Twelve.” Book 3 is downloaded and ready to go. Set in West Virginia, they feature amateur detective Tess Spencer. Though a Christian author, these books are in no way “heavy on religion.”
Patti Gardner says
Forgot to say why I enjoyed the Murder in the Mountains series. This author is a terrific storyteller. She has captured me on page 1 and not let go until the very end. The mysteries keep you guessing until the very end. Heroine/amateur detective, Tess Spencer, is sweet and lovely, as is her whole family. I especially love the close relationship she has with her in-laws.
Pat M. says
I just read the second book in the
Lighthouse Library series by Eva Gates. I really enjoyed the idea of a library in a historic lighthouse, the interactions of staff members and the descriptions of all that yummy food. Lucy is a very fun heroine. However, the description of her little apartment at the top of the lighthouse made me a little claustrophobic!
Lori H says
I love almost all of the authors in mentioned in the previous comments, and now have a couple more to look into. Another favorite author of mine is Sally Goldenbaum and the Seaside Knitters Mystery series. Set in Massachusetts, with varied and interesting characters, makes you want to move there and become part of their group. I don’t knit, but love this series and these characters.
Janice G says
The Stolen Letter is the newest book by Paige Shelton. Delaney is returning to work after a two week vacation when she runs into a woman, Mary Stewart who very much resembles her. The woman tells Delaney that she believes she was Mary Queen of Scots in a previous life. When Delaney arrives at the Crooked Spine, she finds out that the Edinburgh City Council is threatening to close the bookstore due to structural issues. As the bookshop crew works to save their beloved business, they wonder how much this supposedly chance meeting has to do with what’s happening.
Trowel and Error is the latest book by H.Y. Hanna. Poppy is attending a garden party at the home of the owner of the largest chain of garden centers in England when a faded rock star dies after being attacked by a swarm of hornets. Poppy gets involved when her handyman is accused of causing the death. This is a fun series with Poppy learning how to run the garden business that she inherited while interacting with her neighbors – a broodingly handsome mystery writer on one side and an eccentric scientist on the other along with their pets – a cantankerous cat and an exuberant dog.
Pumpkin Spice Peril is a new installment in the cupcake series by Jenn McKinlay. A friend of Mel and Angie dies suddenly the night before her most important work of art is to be unveiled. Mel is present when the body is found and the new police chief wonders why she shows up so often on crime scenes.
I also enjoyed Shredding the Evidence a new book by Daryl Wood Gerber. The town is hosting a culinary festival but when a local reporter dies, the husband of Jenna’s best friend is the prime suspect since he had a very public argument with the victim. This series has a great cast of regular characters.
Melanie says
After a year long hiatus, I’m finally reading again…so I picked-up where I left off in the Magical Dressmaking Mystery Series by Melissa Bourbon…with the last two books, “A Killing Notion” and “A Seamless Murder”. I really like all of the cozy mystery series I’ve read so far with magical elements, and this is no exception.
The stories are set in the small town called Bliss, Texas. Harlow Cassidy is a descendent of Butch Cassidy, and all of the females in the family have their own special charm. Harlow’s gift involves creating the perfect garments for people, whose greatest desire is realized once they wear the special clothing. She also communicates with her deceased great-grandmother (Meemaw) who is a constant ghostly presence and source of comfort. Meemaw is just one of an eclectic group of characters weaving personality throughout the series, providing entertaining scenarios, along with the books’ mysteries…which Harlow of course, gets wrapped-up in.
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This month I also read, and loved “Statue of Limitations”, the first book in Kate Collins new Goddess of Greene St. Mystery Series.
Athena Spencer has moved back home to Sequoia, Michigan with her young son after her divorce, and works at her family’s garden center in the middle of the “Little Greece” section of town. In addition to trying to solve a murder, she also has her eccentric family to contend with, including three nosy sisters; deal with a handsome, mysterious stranger; try to find a way to halt demolition of the shops in “Little Greece”; and watch out for a rascally raccoon, among other things.
I really like Athena, and think she’s a great main character. There’s wonderful character interaction, filled with many humorous moments, especially with her youngest sister, Delphi. This was a quick read for me, because it kept me interested from start to finish. I especially liked the ending.
I enjoyed this book immensely. If this one is any indication, this series is going to be a favorite of mine. I’m looking forward to the next release, due out later this year.
Paula Catherine says
Holly Quinn
This enjoyable series is about Samantha (Sammy) Kane who returns to her hometown in Wisconsin to run a community craft store started by her best childhood friend.
Her friend Kate died in a terrible accident and her shop is in danger of closing. Sammy’s friend Heidi and Sammy’s sister Ellie (S.H.E) have a penchant for investigating that stems from their childhood. When a murder occurs the S.H.E CLUB is on the case much to the dismay of the rather attractive detective new to the police force. Living in a small town has both advantages and disadvantages for Sammy. This is a three book series so far. At the end of the books a few recipes and knitting or crochet patterns are included.
I know Elizabeth Craig has been recommended in the past but the more books I read in the Myrtle Clover series the more I like it. The writing is so clever and so funny. Myrtle is quick witted, a horrible cook and a woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t rest until she rights whatever wrong has occurred. She is quite the president problem solver, and a little manipulative. Her relationships with her apparent best friend Miles and her son Red and the garden gnomes
are too funny for words. Needless to say there are no recipes!
I have been reading like crazy so it is great to discover new to me authors. I should be decluttering my drawers and closets but would rather be reading!
Becky W says
There are two cozy mysteries I have been enjoying lately. This one is an on going series
Vicki Delany’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries. Set in small town New England great cast of characters. Fun read.
The other series is an older series that I happened on it’s Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery Series. Love this great read, as well as great recipes!
robin in oregon says
I’d like to add the mystery series by Alexis Morgan. Just read her newest last week, the third one-Death by Auction. The heroine is Abby McCree who inherits her grandmothers victorian in Snowberry Creek,Wa. Her tenant lives on a cottage on the property and is a veteran(handsome of course!) and she also inherited her grandmothers dog, a mastiff. Very enjoyable cozy series.
Jim M says
As Cathy M posted on May 29th, I also really enjoyed Jana DeLeon’s Miss Fortune’s Series. Laughing hard is not descriptive enough! Went through the whole series in May from the library. Couldn’t wait so purchased the newest one from Amazon. Lots of craziness going on but these ladies have skills! In our household now when I do something that goes terribly wrong its referred to as pulling a Gertie!