From Spotlight to Suspect: Celebrity Sleuth Cozy Mysteries
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What happens when soap opera stars and retired Hollywood actors leave the glitz behind… only to find themselves in the middle of a real-life murder mystery? If you’re craving cozy mysteries with a touch of celebrity drama and behind-the-scenes intrigue, this list is for you.
Whether they’re solving crimes on movie sets, revisiting their small-town roots, or dodging paparazzi while chasing clues, these amateur sleuths use their on-screen smarts and off-screen charm to uncover the truth. Scroll on for your next binge-worthy cozy read—no remote required.
Dead Silent by Amy Beth Arkawy
When shock jock Paul Hackett is found murdered in his radio booth, soup shop owner and amateur sleuth Eliza Gordon is pulled into a tangled web of secrets and scandal. Teaming up with DJ Midge Sumner, Eliza must decode gossip site chatter, cult rumors, and a cryptic lipstick message before the killer strikes again.
Why You’ll Love It: Local drama meets old-school broadcast chaos in this cozy full of small-town intrigue and showbiz flair.
All Things Murder by Jeanne Quigley
Retired soap star Veronica Walsh moves back to her quiet hometown in the Adirondacks, looking for peace—but instead finds a murder victim and herself in the center of the investigation. With the help of a loyal friend and a former co-star, Veronica turns to her screen-honed instincts to crack the case.
Why You’ll Love It: A cozy filled with nostalgia, neighborly secrets, and a leading lady who refuses to fade into the background.
I Only Read Murder by Ian Ferguson and Will Ferguson
Washed-up TV actress Miranda Abbott—famous for playing a crime-solving pastor—arrives in Happy Rock hoping for a fresh start. But when a castmate drops dead during a local theater performance, Miranda steps back into detective mode, blurring the lines between her fictional persona and reality.
Why You’ll Love It: A clever blend of satire and sleuthing, perfect for readers who love showbiz humor with their murder plots.
Prime Time Murder by Brittany E. Brinegar
Aspiring actress Becky Robinson arrives in Hollywood full of dreams, only to land in hot water when she finds a dead body on her first day on set. With her best friend and a scene-stealing rescue pup by her side, Becky must clear her name before the cameras stop rolling for good.
Why You’ll Love It: Studio secrets, dramatic flair, and a lovable sidekick make this one an instant hit.
A Killing in Costumes by Zac Bissonnette
Former soap stars Jay Allan and Cindy Cooper have traded the red carpet for Palm Springs—and a movie memorabilia store. When a legendary actress offers them a rare collection, they think it’s the break they need—until a rival bidder is found dead and they become suspects.
Why You’ll Love It: Think Hollywood glamour meets high-stakes antique hunting with a murder twist.
Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett
Actress Dayna Anderson is broke, jobless, and desperate when she witnesses a hit-and-run. Hoping for the reward money, she begins her own investigation—but quickly realizes she’s stumbled into something far more dangerous than a cash grab.
Why You’ll Love It: Sharp, funny, and fast-paced—this is the perfect mystery for anyone who loves celebrity culture and clever twists.
Final Cut by Marjorie McCown
Hollywood costumer Joey Jessop prefers to stay behind the scenes. But when she discovers a dead body on the set of a blockbuster superhero film—and it’s her ex’s new girlfriend—Joey is thrust into the spotlight and becomes the prime suspect.
Why You’ll Love It: For fans of Nita Prose and Elle Cosimano, this twisty murder mystery dives deep into the high-pressure world of filmmaking.
Wrap-Up: From Red Carpets to Red Herrings
These cozy mysteries bring glitz, grit, and just the right amount of gossip. Whether you’re in the mood for small-town sleuthing or Hollywood high jinks, these books deliver satisfying plots and charming amateur detectives who steal the scene.
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