Three days into 2015, it seems like now is a great time to ask you ALL if you have one specific Cozy Mystery book or series that you read this past year which you think that every other Cozy Mystery reader absolutely needs to read/ know about. I started doing the Favorite Cozy Mystery Books for the entire year in 2012, after getting a letter from Lynn T asking that we do the best Cozy of the year list. We came up with some great recommendations, so, let’s try doing that again!
[As usual, I ask that you don’t tell us about the mystery books or series you read that you didn’t like.]
What terrific Cozy Mystery book or series did you read during 2014 that you think the rest of us would definitely enjoy reading, and why did you enjoy it?
Here are the current recommended books who some of you recommended as the best Cozy Mystery you read all year:
Victoria Abbott (Mary Jane Maffini & Victoria Maffini): Book Collector Mystery Series
Annie Adams: Flower Shop Mystery Series
Ellery Adams (aka Jennifer Stanley, J. B. Stanley, & 1/2 of Lucy Arlington): Murder in the Mystery Suite (Book Retreat Mystery Series)
Lucy Arlington (aka Ellery Adams & Sylvia May, Susan Furlong): Novel Idea Mystery Series
Nancy Atherton: Aunt Dimity Mystery Series
Maggie Barbieri: Murder 101 Mystery Series
Jessica Beck (aka Elizabeth Bright, Melissa Glazer, Chris Cavender, Casey Mayes, Tim Myers, & D.B. Morgan): Donut Shop Mystery Series
Josie Belle (aka Jenn McKinlay & Lucy Lawrence): Good Buy Girls Mystery Series
Emily Brightwell: Mrs. Jeffries Mystery Series
Duffy Brown: Cycle Path Mystery Series
Edie Claire: Leigh Koslow “Never” Mystery Series
Nancy J. Cohen: Bad Hair Day Mystery Series
Sheila Connolly (aka Sarah Atwell): Orchard Mystery Series AND Museum Mystery Series
Cleo Coyle (aka Alice Kimberly): Coffeehouse Mystery Series
Jana DeLeon: Miss Fortune Mystery Series AND Miss Fortune Mystery Series
Jo Dereske: Miss Zukas Mystery Series
Kate Ellis: Wesley Peterson Mystery Series
Amanda Flower (aka Isabella Alan): Appleseed Creek Mystery Series
Shelley Freydont: Celebration Bay Mystery Series
Kathryn Miller Haines: Rosie Winter Mystery Series
Gemma Halliday: High Heels Mystery Series, Hollywood Headlines Mystery Series, & Anna Smith & Nick Dade Mystery Series
Maddie Hunter: Passport to Peril Mystery Series
Julie Hyzy: White House Chef Mystery Series
Josi S. Kilpack: Culinary Mystery Series
Kate Kingsbury (aka Allison Kingsley & Rebecca Kent): Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery Series
Lucy Lawrence (aka Jenn McKinlay & Josie Belle): Decoupage Mystery Series
Joyce and Jim Lavene: Renaissance Faire Mystery Series
Laura Levine: Death of a Neighborhood Witch (Jaine Austen Mystery Series)
T.C. LoTempio: Meow if it’s Murder (Nick and Nora Mystery Series)
Anna Loan-Wisley: Hattie Davish Mystery Series
Jenn McKinlay (aka Josie Belle & Lucy Lawrence): Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series, Hat Shop Mystery Series, AND Library Lover’s Mystery Series
Laura Morrigan: A Tiger’s Tale (Call of the Wilde Mystery Series)
Kee Patterbee: Hannah Starvling Twilight Mystery Series
Leigh Perry (aka Toni L.P. Kelner): Family Skeleton Mystery Series
Ann Purser: Lois Meade Mystery Series
Spencer Quinn (aka Peter Abrahams): Chet and Bernie Mystery Series
Hannah Reed (aka Deb Baker): Off Kilter (Scottish Highlands Mystery Series)
Annelise Ryan (aka Allyson K. Abbott): Mattie Winston Mystery Series
Hank Phillippi Ryan: Truth Be Told (Jane Ryland Mystery Series)
Gayle Trent (aka Amanda Lee): Daphne Martin Cake Mystery Series AND Myrtle Crumb Mystery Series
Diane Vallere: Suede to Rest (Material Witness Mystery Series)
Heather Webber: Nina Quinn Mystery Series
Ovidia Yu: Aunty Lee’s Singaporean 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.]
♦To access more Cozy Mystery Books Recommendations, click on this link♦
P.S. While I try to respond to all of the comments that are made on the Cozy Mystery blog, I generally don’t respond to the comments on these recommendation entries.
Pat says
Lexi graves mysteries by Camilla Chafer and Davis Way series Double —- by Gretchen Archer were two of my favorites last year.
mary kennedy says
I’m a huge fan of Gemma Halliday, love all the series! The books are witty and fun and the plots are terrific. So glad you featured her.
Pat says
Ellery Adams’ Murder in the Mystery Suite is my recommendation for the best of 2014. A marvelous start to a new series.
Bookwoman says
My favorites series the past year were The Celebration Bay Series by Shelly Freydont, The Book Collector’s Series by Victoria Abbott and The Hattie Davish Series by Anna Loan-Wisley.
Enjoy all three
Stacey T says
This is such a difficult question to answer. Since I had a lot going on personally, I stuck to lighthearted/funny cozy’s this year as I couldn’t handle anything to “heavy.” 2014 was great year for many new cozy series. Carol J Perry’s book Caught Dead Handed and Bloom and Doom by Beverly Allen were great reads. I also enjoyed Every Crooked Nanny by Mary Kay Andrews based off your recommendation!!! Gator Bait by Jana DeLeon was laugh out loud funny and I loved the latest installment in Krista Davis’ Domestic Diva Mysteries!!
However I feel that the best cozy I read in 2014 was A Tiger’s Tale by Laura Morrigan (2nd book in the Call of the Wilde series)!! The first book in this series was great but I felt the second book was outstanding!!! Ms. Morrigan’s book was extremely well written and the plot had many twists!! Also, who wouldn’t love to have someone around to help interpret your animals thoughts and provide you with insight in how to better train them!!! I cannot wait until March when she releases the 3rd book in this installment!
Elaine says
Stacy I agree with Laura Morrigan. I loved the first in the series and the second was even better. Her writing is superb, very ingenious and well written.
I have read a lot of cozies this year but her books stood out!
Danna thank you so much for all your hard work. I love how you keep us up to date on the newest cozies and let us share our opinions. I have found some wonderful authors and series from this site.
A happy & Cozy New Year to all!
Elaine
Bobbie says
I discovered the Jaine Austen mysteries by Laura Levine this past October when I was looking for a Halloweem cozy. “Death of a Neighborhood Witch” caught my eye and I loved it. The author used to write for sit-coms like Laverne and Shirley and The Bob Newhart Show so the woman knows funny. The mystery was good, too.
Gem says
I have two favorites that I discovered this year.
…Jana DeLeon – Miss Fortune Mysteries
…Kee Patterbee – Hannah Starvling Twilight Cozy Mysteries
Even my husband has downloaded the Miss Fortune Mystery: Louisiana Longshot. Have never heard him laugh so hard when reading a book.
Shar says
I’m generally a huge non-fiction audiobook (and book) fan, but was looking for some “light” fare a few days ago. At my library’s Overdrive download site, Crewel World popped up and I decided to give it a whirl. Before I listened to it, I did a little research on the book, discovered it was part of a sub-genre of mystery books called “cozy mysteries,” and that led me to your wonderful web site.
All I can say is “Wow!” You have done a magnificent job of cataloging everything I ever wanted to know about a cozy mystery! I stand in awe of your thoroughness! Due to your efforts, I am now hunting down other “cozy” mystery writers, mainly for audiobooks.
I’ve often read a mystery book here and there over the years, but as mentioned, I am primarily a non-fiction aficionado. It’s only recently, due to retirement, that I’ve been investigating other genres. I like to keep an audiobook “going” all the time while I work on a new hobby.
And now, when I need my “cozy” mystery fix of information, I will know where to come – your web site.
Again, kudos, huge kudos, for developing and maintaining such a terrific, interesting, informative, and fun web site!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Shar, first of all, welcome to the Cozy Mystery site. Second, thank you for the extremely kind words about the site. I sure hope you find some Cozy Mystery authors who you truly enjoy, and hope to see you right here in the blog area!
Shar says
Thank you for the welcome, Danna! I’m getting all my info here!
MJ says
REALLY? Only ONE?
I re-read my recommendations over the past year and I really, REALLY enjoyed several books. However when pushed to pick ONE favorite, I’ll select……………………”Truth Be Told” (Jane Ryland series) by Hank Phillippi Ryan. I’ve condensed my November recommendation as to why this is my choice for ‘best book (I’ve read) of 2014’:
This author is an EXCELLENT story teller. Many, many of the cozy authors I read, develop their characters well. But Ryan is top notch, perhaps unbeatable – mainly because of her technique of writing the story from many character’s viewpoints in alternating chapters, or parts of chapters. The reader develops a real insight into the complexities of each character. It’s a huge help in really understanding the story and getting involved in it.
There are several plots, all intriguing, yet easy to follow. This story doesn’t waste paragraphs on ‘outside interests’ like crafts, cooking, issue advocacy, etc. Each page is gripping, the pacing outstanding, the story suspenseful. It is very, VERY difficult to put down.
Besides writing mysteries, Ms. Ryan is an investigative reporter for a Boston TV station. This series is smart, intense, and intellectual (btw, there are ‘light’ moments, too). Read it, you’ll enjoy it and won’t be disappointed.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
MJ, four of Hank Phillippi Ryan’s mysteries have been nominated for the prestigious Agatha Award for Best Novel and another one won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel. That’s a whole lot of Agathas!
Jonathan says
My favorite two this year were probably by far Cleo Coyle’s Coffeehouse Mystery series and Duffy Brown’s The Cycle Path Mystery Series, both are extremely well written and will keep you glued to the pages.
Stash Empress says
Oh go on — just ask me to choose which of my children I love best LOL! Probably my all time favorite *cozy* — that is the coziest of the cozy — series would have to be Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity series. Wonderful wacky characters, funny situations, a ghost — and what I love best is that everyone always lives happily ever after — and no one is ever murdered — no matter how unlikely that may seem. This series is like comfort food to me.
Broughps says
I have a few new cozy authors I discovered this year: Maddie Hunter – Passport to Peril series, Joyce and Jim Lavine – Renaissance Faire series and Heather Webber – Nina Quinn series.
Sabrina says
The Consignment Shop Series by Duffy Brown – Really Funny !
Janice says
There were a lot of new series last year that seem to be promising but if I had to pick one favorite book, it would be Off Kilter by Hannah Reed. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Priscilla says
My favorite series is M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin, but I discovered a new series that is my favorite of last year. It the Rosie Lee series by Ovidia Yu. There are two books so far–Aunty Lee’s Delights and Aunty Lee’s Deadly Specials.
Rosie Lee (Aunty Lee) is a wealthy, widowed Singaporean who is the owner of a popular home-cooking restaurant. Aunty Lee is also very curious. That curiosity is what leads her to investigate mysteries. Aunty Lee is charming and very likeable. The books are well-written, witty, and fun to read. I haven’t seen these books mentioned on this site, and I think other may enjoy them as much as I have.
susy says
Hmmmmm… so, you all keep journals/notes/records about the books you have read, huh? Or, your memories are way better than mine! lol.
Guess I’d say that the best cozy I have read, would be this website! I have learned about many many authors I never knew existed, enjoyed dozens of recommended books and spent some of the best hours of the year reading. Thanks everyone! Happy New Year to all!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susy, I love reading all of the comments, also. Happy New Year to you!
PamB says
Since finding this blog almost two years ago I’ve found many new favorites…. some of which are: Dorothy Gilman, Spencer Quinn, Ann Granger, Madison/Minichino, Charlotte Macleod, Patricia Moyes, and Delores Johnson.
Miss Zukas Mysteries, by Jo Dereske, were recommended on this blog and this series has been my favorite to read this year. Miss Helma Zukas is a single lady, works in a library, and is set in her ways. The books are witty, well written, and make me smile as to how some things are described. I’ve slowed down reading them as the last book is Farewell, Miss Zukas and I can’t imagine not having a Miss Zukas book to look forward to.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
PamB, I do that, too! When I know a favorite Cozy Mystery series is finished, I try to make the books last. I wonder how many others are like us. (Don’t be surprised if you see this very question in a future blog entry. Thanks!)
Meg says
There were a few favorites this past year for me. Two that I don’t see on your list. One author is Annie Adams and her books “Deadly Arrangements, “The Final Arrangements” and her Christmas one, “A Christmas Arrangement.” Also Nancy J Cohen and her “Bad Hair Day” Mysteries. These are fun cozy stories. I just finished Josi Kilpack’s Culinary Mystery Series with her final installment “Wedding Cake.” I love this series and loved watching how it progressed with the heroine Sadie. If you have not read Josi’s series, please start with “Lemon Tart” and make your way through all the fabulous desserts! Each book contains recipes that go well with the story. There are 12 books in this series and they just get better and better!
Linda MH says
Oh, soooooo hard to pick just one!!! I have to agree with Sabrina–Duffy Brown’s Consignment Shop Series. These books contain well-written stories, a great southern setting, likable and engaging characters, and witty dialogue. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book.
Patti S. says
The Rosie Winter mystery series by Kathryn Miller Haines. I read about this author here on your site Danna. The books are superb because they are set in the 1940’s and I love this time. She also writes young adult books also set in the 40’s and they are also very good. Thank you for alerting me to this very good author.
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
I second the Jana DeLeon Miss Fortune books. They were a highlight of my reading year for cozies!
Carolyn C says
I love the Mrs. Jeffries series by Emily Brightwell. All of the books are stand alone, you don’t have to start with the first one. The books are very well written and are never boring. I got the recommendation from this site!!! Got on here today to make a list to take to the library this afternoon. Happy reading!!
Donna says
Every cozy I pick up I think is the best. So hard to choose but I have to say I love anything by Gayle Trent/Amanda Flower and Sheila Connolly. I did read my first Lucy Arlington book and read it in one day. Could not put it down. Trying to read new authors that I haven’t tried yet and thanks to Danna and her great website I don’t have to look far.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Donna, since you didn’t specify which series, I went ahead and put down Gayle Trent’s Daphne Martin Cake Mystery Series AND Myrtle Crumb Mystery Series, Amanda Flower’s Appleseed Creek Mystery Series, and Sheila Connolly’s Orchard Mystery Series AND Museum Mystery Series…
Donna says
That’s fine. I like all their series.
Karen L. says
Two of my favorite series in 2014 were The Leigh Koslow “Never Mysteries by Edie Claire and The White House Chef Mysteries by Julie Hyzy. I love them so much that I am trying to pace myself reading them. I don’t want them to end.
Bonnie says
Danna .. Can I just say .. Wow!! n Thank You!! What a great way to start the new year!!! I’m making my list n checking it twice for my next reads!!
I’ve had a few rough years n needed some fun light hearted give me a laugh books!! Enjoy!!
My favorites for 2014 .. Spencer Quinn (Chet n Bernie) .. I am understanding/communicating with my dog thanks to Chet!! A must read for dog lovers!!
Annelise Ryan (Mattie Winston) … Laughed a lot .. Start with Working Stiff
Maggie Barbieri (Murder 101) .. Laughed a lot .. On book 3 n excited to read ALL
COZY Mysteries n coffee n My Audio dot com keeps me a happy Nana!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bonnie, I’m sorry to hear about your last few years being rough, but I know exactly what you mean about “fun light hearted” books. I absolutely love Spencer Quinn’s Chet and Bernie series. No matter how tired/blue someone is, it would be difficult to not feel a lot more revived and happy while reading Chet’s narration. Dog lovers, cat lovers, even hamster and fish lovers couldn’t help but get a “pick-me-up” from Chet!
Paula says
Bonnie,
I am reading Annelise Ryan’s second book in the Mattie Winston series. It is a terrific series. The first chapter in the first book may be tough to get through but press on. I am a nurse and find the characters fabulous. Thank you for recommending this series!!! Mattie says and thinks of things like we all do but is funny to see her act on them.
Thanks again.
Dorcey says
My favorites in 2014 were the two books in the “Skeleton In The Family” series by Leigh Perry (a.k.a., Toni P. Kelner). After attending the Bouchercon convention at the Empire State Plaza in Albany NY, and hearing her discuss the writing of this fun series, I just had to get the books and read them. I laughed out loud in several places, and have quoted “Sid the Skeleton” and his keeper, Georgia Thackery, on several occasions since reading the books. (“We watch movies together, and sometimes we dance”). Can’t wait for the next one in 2015.
Katia says
Love your site. It’s so helpful when I am in search of a new author.
Absolutely second many of the above mentioned, but a couple of my favorite series this year have been the Lil and Boris mysteries by Shannon Hill and the Mary O’Reilly series by Teri Reid.
reginav says
Danna I just finished Kate Ellis’ new Wesley Peterson novel “The Death Season”. It is an excellent book and the 19th in a good series. She manages to combine seamlessly past history with present day mystery. Police procedural but still a cozy.
Vida says
Jenn McKinlay’s books are one of my Favorites!!! She has several to pick from; I’ve read all of them & I love them all <3
cupcake mysteries
library lover's mysteries
london hat shop mysteries
good buy girls mysteries, writing as josie bell
decoupage mysteries, writing as lucy lawrence
Lana says
I loved the new Krista Davis book The Diva Wraps It Up. This is one of my favorite series. This book has a great Christmas atmosphere. I also read A Killer’s Christmas in Wales by Elizabeth J. Duncan. I just started reading this series a year ago and waited until December to read the Christmas book. I love the setting of this book and all of the characters. It’s a very cozy atmosphere. I love the murder by month mystery series by Jess Lourey and have been reading these books for several years. The most recent book was January Thaw which I read last January. I’m eagerly awaiting February Fever. The main character in this series is smart, fun, and believable. All of the other characters are great and very wacky. Mrs Berns is a hoot. She reminds of a character from The Golden Girls tv show. I also love the Kate Collins flower shop mysteries and have been reading them for several years. The most recent installment was Throw in the Trowel. I love reading about Abby’s life as it evolves. I think the cast of characters is fun as well. Cousin Jillian is hilarious. I started the Victoria Laurie psychic eye series this past year and have only read the first two books but I plan to read the others as well as try her ghost hunter series. I really love the main character in this series. She seems like a person I would want as a friend. The books I have read so far are action packed. I didn’t want to put them down. I also started reading the Juliet Blackwell series witchcraft mystery series this year and have read all the books in it. I love the San Francisco setting and every character in this book is great. I love the magical and witchy elements. Lily Ivory is a great main character. She is strong and admirable, but also flawed and believable. I also started the magical dressmaking series by Melissa Bourbon. This series is set in Texas and the main character is a descendant of Butch Cassidy. It’s a lot of fun. My other favorite series for 2014 was the Bailey Cates magical bakery mystery series. I love the setting of Savannah, Georgia and all of the magical elements.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you to ALL who have submitted their very favorite Cozy Mystery book or series of 2014! I am so glad that several of my very favorite books/series made it to the list.
Anne says
My best cosy “find” last year was V.C. Clinton-Baddeley. He wrote 6 murder mysteries in the 1960s featuring retired Cambridge prof. Dr. Davie, very individual and charming. The best one is “Only a Matter of Time.”
The best one -off read was Ruth Rendell’s “The Girl Next Door.”
I also discovered the great Eric Ambler and got into Alan Furst’s historical spy novels.
I became utterly hooked on Henning Mankell’s “Kurt Wallander” novels after watching the Yellow Bird t.v. adaptations and now I’m working my way through the Martin Beck books by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo which influenced so much Scandinavian detective writing.
I also got hooked on Andrea Camilleri’s Inspector Montalbano mysteries.
Last of all I discovered a new (to me) real true cosy series by Roger Silverwood about “Inspector Angel.” These are old fashioned police procedurals, simply written with good plots.
Oh, and I also discovered Ngaio Marsh and re-discovered lots of old favourites…..
Marianne says
I am SO grateful to the librarian who told me about your site!! Since I am 77 yrs. old, many of my favorite authors have either died, or finished their series, so I am devouring all the recommendations made by you and your readers!!! I recently started a series by an author who is not on your list, so I would like to add Elly Griffiths, whose main character, Ruth Galloway, is a forensic archaeologist. Ms. Griffiths is the winner of the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2010. Thank you for all your research!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marianne, welcome to the Cozy-Mystery site! I am so glad you are finding new-to-you authors who you enjoy reading. Also, thanks for telling us about Elly Griffiths’ Ruth Galloway Mystery Series.
Camille says
Just recently, I became addicted to all of Ann Purser’s fiction. I loved the Lois Meades Mysteries, The Ivy Beasley Mysteries, and am now reading the Ivy Beasley series that is not mystery. It’s called the Round Ringford Series.
These all take place in British villages. Can anyone recommend more “village” mystery writers?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Camille, you really can’t go wrong starting with Agatha Christie.
Also, you might want to take a look at some of the authors on these pages:
Authors beginning with A & B
Authors beginning with C & D
Authors beginning with E, F, G, & H
Authors beginning with I, J, K, L, M, & N
Authors beginning with P, R, & S
Authors beginning with T , U, & W