9 Cozy Mystery Books by Black Authors to Add to Your TBR
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Cozy mysteries offer the perfect mix of charm, intrigue, and feel-good storytelling. They’re even better when they bring fresh perspectives, diverse characters, and rich cultural settings to the genre. If you love amateur sleuths solving crimes in their tight-knit communities, you’ll want to check out these fantastic cozy mysteries by Black authors.
Each book on this list features a Black protagonist navigating their way through a murder mystery, balancing family, friendships, and sometimes even a little bit of magic. Whether you’re in the mood for bookish settings, culinary delights, or Hollywood glamour, there’s something for every cozy mystery lover here.
Before diving into this list, be sure to check out these related cozy mystery recommendations:
- Bookish Cozy Mysteries – Featuring Librarians and Booksellers
- Cozy Mysteries Featuring Knitters
- New Kensington’s Cozy Mysteries Fall 2024
The Plot is Murder by V.M. Burns
Samantha Washington is finally opening her dream mystery bookstore while working on her own historical whodunit. But when a local realtor turns up dead in her backyard, she becomes the prime suspect. With the help of her spunky grandmother and a group of meddling retirees, Samantha must solve the case before she ends up in her own crime novel—for real.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A bookish setting
- A mystery within a mystery
- A cast of lovable senior sidekicks
Hard Dough Murder by Olivia Matthews
Set in Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean, Lyndsay Murray runs the Spice Isle Bakery with her family. But when a former high school principal dies at an event she’s catering, her shop falls under suspicion. To save her bakery and clear her name, Lyndsay must uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A vibrant cultural setting
- Delicious food descriptions
- A determined sleuth with strong family ties
A Spell for Trouble by Esme Addison
Aleksandra Daniels returns to Bellamy Bay, North Carolina, where her family runs an herbal apothecary with a rumored magical past. But when a local is poisoned and her aunt is accused, Alex must uncover long-buried family secrets—possibly including mermaid ancestry—to clear her aunt’s name.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A unique mix of cozy mystery and magical realism
- Small-town charm
- Folklore-inspired twists
Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett
Dayna Anderson, a semi-famous but broke former actress, stumbles upon a hit-and-run case with a cash reward for solving it. What starts as a quick payday turns into a dangerous investigation through Hollywood’s glitzy yet treacherous world.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Fast-paced and witty writing
- Celebrity scandals
- A fresh take on the amateur sleuth trope
Body and Soul Food by Abby Collette
Fraternal twins Keaton and Koby reunite as adults to open Books & Biscuits, a bookstore and soul-food café. But when Koby’s foster brother is found murdered, they must solve the mystery before their dream business is ruined.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A unique sibling duo
- A cozy bookstore setting
- A food-loving community
Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles by A.L. Herbert
Halia Watkins, owner of Sweet Tea restaurant, is used to serving up delicious soul food—not dealing with murder in her kitchen. When a shady businessman is found dead, her cousin Wavonne becomes the prime suspect, and Halia must track down the real killer before her restaurant’s reputation is fried.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A hilarious, food-centric mystery
- A strong and sassy protagonist
- A fun small-town setting
A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette
Bronwyn “Win” Crewse, a recent MBA grad, is determined to revamp her family’s ice cream shop. But when she discovers a dead body, her reopening turns into a crime scene. With the victim connected to her family, she must crack the case before her ice cream dreams melt away.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A cozy small-town vibe
- A lovable protagonist
- Ice cream flavors to die for
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns
Social media influencer Maddy Montgomery is left at the altar during her livestream wedding. When she unexpectedly inherits her great-aunt’s bakery (and an enormous English mastiff named Baby), she moves to Michigan for a fresh start. But when a murder puts her under suspicion, Maddy must solve the case before her second chance crumbles.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A quirky protagonist
- A lovable dog
- A mix of social media drama and small-town charm
It’s Elementary by Elise Bryant
Mavis Miller is a single mother juggling work at a nonprofit, raising her daughter, and managing a busy multigenerational household. She quickly finds herself in over her head when she reluctantly agrees to lead the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee at her daughter’s California elementary school. But when the school’s principal mysteriously disappears after a heated meeting, Mavis teams up with the school psychologist to uncover the truth—navigating school politics, pushy parents, and unexpected revelations along the way.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A relatable and witty protagonist balancing work, motherhood, and sleuthing
- A fresh mystery set in the world of school politics and PTA drama
- A mix of humor, heart, and social commentary on community and inclusion
Why Read Cozy Mysteries by Black Authors?
- Representation matters—these books celebrate Black culture, traditions, and family dynamics in a genre known for comfort and community.
- These mysteries offer fresh, unique perspectives, bringing new settings and characters to cozy mystery lovers.
- They are the perfect blend of heartwarming and intriguing, making them great for readers looking for a diverse reading experience.
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More Cozy Mystery Recommendations
If you love cozy mysteries, don’t miss these book lists:
- Bookish Cozy Mysteries – Featuring Librarians and Booksellers
- Cozy Mysteries Featuring Knitters
- New Kensington’s Cozy Mysteries Fall 2024
Join the Conversation
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