Love Romance Novels? These Cozy Mysteries Might Be Your Next Obsession
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Cozy mysteries and romance might seem like two different genres, but for readers who crave heartwarming stories with strong characters, charming settings, and just the right amount of tension—both emotional and criminal—they’re a perfect match.
If you’re a romance reader curious about dipping into the world of cozy mysteries, this list is a great place to start. From stories about bookish sleuths and bakery owners to long-running series with swoony slow-burn love stories, these cozy mysteries offer romantic subplots alongside puzzling whodunits.
Inspired by our recent podcast episode with Spencer from Intentionally Bookish, here are 7 cozy mystery books and series we think romance fans will adore.
Bookish-Themed Cozy Mysteries
The Bibliophile Mysteries by Kate Carlisle
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When a rare book expert finds herself in the middle of murder investigations, things get real page-turning fast. Brooklyn Wainwright restores books for a living, but her knack for solving mysteries makes her a standout heroine.
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect for book lovers who enjoy clever plots, literary tidbits, and a heroine surrounded by old books and danger.
The Book Retreat Mysteries by Ellery Adams
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Set at a luxury resort for bibliophiles, this series features a protagonist whose job is literally to host book-themed events—until bodies start turning up.
Why You’ll Love It:
Books about books, cozy vibes, and a strong cast of recurring characters with light romantic threads.
Foodie Cozy Mysteries
Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander
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Set in a small town in Oregon, this series follows Juliet Capshaw, a pastry chef who runs a family bakery while unraveling mysteries on the side.
Why You’ll Love It:
Delectable descriptions of baked goods, a warm community, and just enough romantic drama to keep things sweet (and a little spicy).
Cozy Mysteries With Strong Romance Subplots
To Kill a Mocking Girl by Harper Kincaid
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Written by a former romance author, this first-in-series delivers on both mystery and romantic tension. Bookstore employee Quinn Caine finds herself solving a murder while navigating the sparks with a love interest from her past.
Why You’ll Love It:
The romance is front and center, not just a background element—making it a perfect entry point for romance fans.
A Dark and Stormy Murder by Julia Buckley
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Lena, an aspiring writer, becomes an apprentice to her favorite suspense novelist—only to uncover a real-life mystery in their quaint coastal town.
Why You’ll Love It:
Gothic vibes, cozy charm, and a slow-building romance that adds an emotional layer to the suspense.
Long-Running Series to Binge
Meg Langslow Series by Donna Andrews
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In this witty, long-running series, Meg Langslow juggles blacksmithing, zany relatives, and the occasional murder mystery. The books are known for their punny titles (think Gone Gull or Owl Be Home for Christmas) and engaging, quirky tone.
Why You’ll Love It:
The emotional stakes grow deeper as the series progresses, especially in later books that explore family dynamics and feature occasional romantic twists.
Cozy Mystery Auto-Buy Authors
If you’re looking to binge-read or explore more series with strong voices and consistent charm, these authors are Spencer’s personal auto-buy picks:
- Donna Andrews – Start with the Meg Langslow series for humor and heart.
- Ellie Alexander – Try both Bakeshop Mysteries and Sloan Krause Mysteries for cozy vibes and food-focused fun.
- Ellery Adams – Prolific and reliable, especially the Book Retreat Mysteries for bookish readers.
Spencer’s 5-Star Cozy Mysteries of the Year
If you’re looking for a guaranteed hit, these two books stood out as standout reads this year:
- Gone Gull by Donna Andrews
Emotional depth and clever mystery in the middle of a long-standing favorite series. - A Dark and Stormy Murder by Julia Buckley
Atmospheric and smartly written with a great blend of suspense and romance.
Related Cozy Mystery Posts to Explore Next
- 17 Summertime Cozy Mysteries with Sunny Vibes
- Cozy Mysteries Featuring Queer Characters
- Cozy Mysteries with Black Amateur Sleuths
- From Spotlight to Suspect: Celebrity Sleuth Cozy Mysteries
- 14 Mystery RomComs for Readers Who Love LOVE and Murder
Let’s Chat
Have you read any of these cozy mysteries? Do you have a favorite romantic cozy mystery series to recommend? Share in the comments or tag us on Instagram @WhattoReadNextpod.
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