Cozy Mystery Compendium
The real mystery is why murder is a prominent feature of comfort books
I love cozy mysteries. I think it’s because across the mediums they rely on a strong solver squad of people doing things together, and the external story allows the personal development of relationships and personal plots to progress slowly and deliciously over a long period of time. There are some exceptions, of course, but I think that’s more overall draw to the subgenre.
So here are some of my favorites. You’ll note Agatha Christie isn’t on this list, and that’s because I’m not sure I’d call her mysteries cozy. Now that I’ve read and watched a few, they are, actually, kind of horrific. And the plot delivery is higher tension than what I’d term cozy.
Countess of Harleigh Mysteries
If you’re looking for a lighthearted, softly funny murder mystery series, the Countess of Harleigh is your woman. The humor is light and relatable, the romance is gentle and genuine. I love watching Frances and George grow closer through mutual attraction and shared interest. The stories are fairly short, but there are a number of them and I consumed all of them in quick succession via audio book.
Although these books obviously include murders, they are very restrained in all areas one might consider “content.” The murders don’t tend to be weird, and spice level is 1.
Brother Cadfael
Brother Cadfael is a monk in century on the border of England and Wales. Cadfael was once an adventurer—a man who fought in the crusades and sought glory. He’s older now, and has put those things behind him. He settled into the monastic life and it suits him now. The basic theme of his books is that Cadfael manages an herb garden, dispenses sage advice, and quietly investigates murders. He follows God, but I wouldn’t describe him as religious. I have read only a few of his books, but I enjoyed them and remember them fondly.
Spice 0-1.
Danielle Garrett’s ghost mysteries
These are kind of goofy. Any story that involves a protagonist who is haunted by the ghost of their Persian cat can’t be that serious. But there are several, and I do enjoy them. Our heroine has to manage the drama of the local ghost population (much bigger than one might suppose) and has hitherto lead a nomadic life because once word gets out among the ghosts she can’t get a moments peace. She’s established office hours this time, and it’s mostly working. Sort of.
Spice 0-1
Honorable mention to the Hon. Phryne Fisher, of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. I’ve only read one book, and I enjoyed it—but the tv series is my truer love.
What are some of your favorite cozy reads?
xo-Book Rook