Escape into Summer with These Top 8 Cozy Mystery Novels
Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books & you can read our affiliate disclosure here.
As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, there’s no better time to relax with a good book. Summer is the perfect season to immerse yourself in a cozy mystery, where charming settings, quirky characters, and suspenseful plots create the ideal escape. Whether you’re lounging by the lake, basking on the beach, or enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, these eight cozy mysteries will keep you entertained and guessing until the end.
From quaint small towns to bustling tourist spots, each of these books offers a unique and engaging mystery to solve. Join amateur sleuths as they navigate twists and turns, unravel secrets, and bring justice to their communities. Perfect for Jenn McKinlay, Ellery Adams, and Amanda Flower fans, these delightful reads blend humor, intrigue, and the warmth of summer. So, grab your favorite iced drink, find a comfy spot, and get ready to dive into these captivating cozy mysteries.
Top 8 Summer Cozy Mysteries
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers
In “Read to Death at the Lakeside Library” by Holly Danvers, Rain Wilmot, the owner of the Lakeside Library in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin, revives her mother’s summer book club as tourists flood the Northwoods. However, the summer takes a dark turn when Lily Redlin, a club member, is found dead shortly after their first meeting. Rain, along with her neighbor Julia Reynolds and the charming Jace Lowe, discovers that Lily’s murder mirrors the plot of Agatha Christie’s “Sparkling Cyanide,” which the club recently discussed.
As Rain delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a tangle of motives and secrets. Was Lily killed to cover up a tragic accident from years ago involving an old classmate? Did someone murder her for a rumored priceless original manuscript by Laura Ingalls Wilder? Or was the mysterious letter from a supposed long-lost relative a hoax?
With suspects and motives pointing to the book club members, Rain stages a reenactment of their first meeting to catch the killer. The stakes are high as she races to solve the case before more lives are lost, including her own.
Perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Ellery Adams, this cozy mystery blends suspense, literary references, and the charm of a small-town summer setting
Take the Honey and Run by Jennie Marts
In “Take the Honey and Run” by Jennie Marts, Bailey Briggs, a successful mystery author, returns to her hometown of Humble Hills, Colorado, after her beekeeping grandmother, Blossom Briggs (Granny Bee), suffers a fall. Bailey grew up on Honeybuzz Mountain Ranch, raised by Granny Bee and her two eccentric sisters, Aster and Marigold. Granny Bee, despite a broken foot, continues to manage The Hive book club and her bee-inspired products.
When the town founder is found murdered, and Granny Bee’s “Honey I’m Home” spiced honey is the murder weapon, Granny Bee becomes the prime suspect. Bailey must use her fictional detective skills to clear her grandmother’s name. With help from her best friend, meddling aunts, The Hive members, and her tech-savvy daughter, Bailey is determined to uncover the real killer. Facing malicious attacks and threats, Bailey won’t back down until she catches the culprit and saves her grandmother from being wrongfully imprisoned.
This debut cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Amanda Flower, combining suspense, humor, and the charm of small-town life.
Fondant Fumble by Jenn McKinlay
In “Fondant Fumble” by Jenn McKinlay, professional football players Keogh Graham and Tyler Matthews dream of opening a Fairy Tale Cupcakes franchise. They spend their off-season in Scottsdale learning the business at Mel’s bakery, drawing in crowds of football fans eager to see the athletes in action. While their venture excites many, it also stirs anger among those who fear the players might retire early from football, including their team owner and Keogh’s sports agent.
The situation takes a dark turn when the owner of the Arizona Scorpions is found dead in the new bakery after an argument with Keogh, making the athletes prime suspects. Mel and the Fairy Tale Cupcakes crew must work together to clear Keogh and Tyler’s names, proving their innocence before their bakery dream and football careers are shattered. This cozy mystery blends sports, baking, and amateur sleuthing for a delightful read
Try Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited Reading, Unlimited Listening, Any Device
Unlimited, guilt-free reading, all for one low monthly price. Try out new authors, read some of your favorites, and never exceed your book-buying budget!
As an Amazon affiliate, I will get a small commission if you sign up for the service.
Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack
In “Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies” by Catherine Mack, bestselling author Eleanor Dash faces more than just the challenge of finishing her latest novel during her book tour in Italy. As she aims to kill off her series’ main character, Connor Smith, she finds herself embroiled in a real-life mystery when an attempt is made on the life of the actual Connor, a charming but troublesome con man from her past.
As Eleanor tries to unravel the mystery, she must navigate a host of complications including literary rivals, obsessive fans, a stalker, and the unexpected appearance of her ex, Oliver. With rivalries flaring and old wounds reopening, Eleanor must determine who among them is truly behind the murder attempt.
This debut novel combines humor and suspense, turning Eleanor’s Italian book tour into a gripping and chaotic adventure where her fictional world begins to mirror her reality.
How the Murder Crumbles by Debra Sennefelder
In “How the Murder Crumbles” by Debra Sennefelder, Wingate, Connecticut, is renowned for its top-tier shopping, featuring Mallory Monroe’s beloved Cookie Shop. Known for its beautifully decorated and delicious cookies, the shop becomes the center of a murder mystery when Mallory’s life takes a downturn. Her kitchen is struggling due to two inept employees, she catches her boyfriend cheating, and a confrontation with food blogger Beatrice Wright over a stolen cookie recipe ends with Beatrice found dead in Mallory’s kitchen, surrounded by flour and a bloodied rolling pin.
With Mallory as the prime suspect, her shop’s sales plummet. She must clear her name and uncover the real murderer, who seems to have more killings in mind. This cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke and Peg Cochran, combines charming characters, a quaint small-town setting, and the suspense of a murder investigation.
Debra Sennefelder’s new series offers a delightful mix of cookies and crime, keeping readers engaged with its endearing protagonist and picture-perfect evocation of small-town life, punctuated by the occasional murder.
Murder Mystery Book Club by Danielle Collins
In “Murder Mystery Book Club” by Danielle Collins, Eva Stewart runs a charming bed and breakfast in the Florida Keys, accompanied by her talkative parrot. A lover of murder mystery novels, Eva even hosts a book club dedicated to the genre. Her life takes a suspenseful turn when a dead body is discovered near her establishment. Suddenly faced with a real-life murder mystery, Eva must use her book smarts to help solve the case, even if it means implicating one of her guests and challenging the local police.
As the first installment in the Florida Keys Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery series, this cozy mystery features fast-paced storytelling, intriguing characters, unexpected twists, and the unique charm of a talking bird. Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy the blend of suspense and small-town charm that defines this series.
By Book or By Crook by Eva Gates
In “By Book or By Crook” by Eva Gates, Lucy Richardson escapes her unfulfilling life in Boston after a decade working at the Harvard Library. Her imploding engagement to the son of her father’s law partner spurs her to seek a fresh start. She heads to the Outer Banks, where she finds solace with her Aunt Ellen and cousin Josie. Lucy soon lands her dream job at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library.
Her idyllic new life is disrupted when a priceless first edition of a Jane Austen novel is stolen and the library board chair is found murdered. Thrust into a real-life mystery, Lucy must use her literary skills and newfound resolve to uncover the truth and navigate the dangers that threaten her new beginning. This first installment in the Lighthouse Library mystery series promises intrigue and suspense set against the charming backdrop of a coastal library.
Open for Murder by Mary Angela
In “Open for Murder” by Mary Angela, former journalist Zo Jones operates the Happy Camper gift shop in the tourist town of Spirit Canyon, South Dakota. The shop, offering a variety of locally made souvenirs and memorabilia, also rents out mountain bikes and provides a gateway into the adventure industry. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Zo anticipates a surge in summer shoppers and the return of her childhood friend, Beth, who is reopening her family’s prestigious hotel, Spirit Canyon Lodge.
The grand opening festivities take a grim turn when a power outage occurs, followed by the discovery of a competitor’s dead body on the hotel premises. With Beth becoming the prime suspect, Zo leverages her investigative skills to clear her friend’s name. She teams up with Max Harrington, a local Forest Ranger with whom she has previously clashed, to dig deeper into the mystery. As they uncover a growing list of suspects, Zo must stay vigilant to avoid becoming the next victim.
This cozy mystery blends small-town charm, intriguing characters, and suspense, making it a delightful read for fans of the genre.
With these eight cozy mysteries in your summer reading arsenal, you’re all set for a season filled with suspense and relaxation. Each book offers a unique and engaging mystery that will keep you guessing and entertained. So, whether you’re a longtime fan of cozy mysteries or just discovering the genre, these books are sure to provide the perfect escape. Pour yourself a refreshing drink, find a shady spot, and dive into a summer of delightful whodunits. Enjoy the mysteries and the sunshine!