17 Best Summer Cozy Mysteries to Read This Season
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Looking for a lighthearted escape with a side of murder? These summertime cozy mysteries are perfect for lazy afternoons, beachside reading, or curling up indoors with the AC blasting. With charming small towns, nosy amateur sleuths, and just enough danger to keep you turning the page, these books are sunshine-filled whodunits you won’t want to miss.
Each pick includes a short overview and a note on why you’ll love it—so you can find the perfect cozy companion for your summer reading.
Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass
Librarian Minnie Hamilton is launching a bookmobile service in her small Michigan town. On her first outing, her rescue cat Eddie discovers a dead body—thrusting Minnie into a murder investigation with her feline sidekick at her side.
Why You’ll Love It: A book-loving sleuth, a mystery-solving cat, and a mobile library? This is cozy catnip for readers.
Live and Let Chai by Bree Baker
Everly Swan opens a tea shop in the beach town of Charm, NC, but her fresh start is steeped in trouble when a local is poisoned—with her tea as the weapon. As the town turns against her, Everly must uncover the real killer to clear her name.
Why You’ll Love It: Tea, the beach, and a heroine who won’t back down—this one’s a coastal cozy dream.
Murder Mystery Book Club by Danielle Collins
Eva Stewart runs a charming B&B in the Florida Keys and hosts a murder mystery book club in her spare time. When a real body turns up near her inn, Eva channels her fictional know-how to solve a murder in paradise.
Why You’ll Love It: Book clubs, tropical settings, and a talking parrot—this one brings the fun.
From Beer to Eternity by Sherry Harris
Librarian Chloe Jackson relocates to the Florida Panhandle to help at a beach bar, but her new start is shaken when a man is murdered behind the saloon. With her boss under suspicion, Chloe digs into the case herself.
Why You’ll Love It: A beach bar, an amateur sleuth, and small-town secrets make this a summer standout.
Murder by the Seashore by Samantha Yew
Bookstore owner Scarlett Gardner finds a body under a pier, and the mystery deepens when she’s named in the victim’s will. With her reputation at risk, she’s forced to solve the crime herself.
Why You’ll Love It: A seaside bookstore and a plot twist you won’t see coming make this a fast-paced beach read.
Peaches and Scream by Susan Furlong
Back in her Georgia hometown to help save her family’s peach farm, Nola Harper stumbles on a dead body in the orchard. As gossip spreads and fingers point, Nola takes it upon herself to clear her family’s name.
Why You’ll Love It: Southern charm, family ties, and ripe drama in a juicy mystery.
Steamed Open by Barbara Ross
When a newcomer blocks beach access in Busman’s Harbor, it threatens Julia Snowden’s family clambake business. Things go from bad to worse when the man is murdered—and Julia becomes the prime suspect.
Why You’ll Love It: Coastal cuisine, community conflict, and clever clues—this one serves up summer vibes and suspense.
Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly
When a café regular is murdered, all clues point to Carly’s delivery guy. Determined to prove his innocence, Carly unearths a web of scandal in her sleepy town.
Why You’ll Love It: Grilled cheese, quirky suspects, and a likable sleuth make this a comfort food cozy with bite.
Murder Off the Books by Tamara Berry
Author Tess Harrow is launching her bookstore when her mother’s new boyfriend turns up dead—and her mom becomes the top suspect. Tess has to use her mystery-writing skills to track down the killer.
Why You’ll Love It: Bookstore setting, mother-daughter hijinks, and laugh-out-loud moments make this a clever, meta cozy.
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah
Lindsey Bakewell opens a lighthouse bakery, but her grand opening ends in scandal when her ex’s new girlfriend dies after eating one of her donuts. She must clear her name before her new life crumbles.
Why You’ll Love It: A lighthouse, pastries, and poison? This one has all the ingredients for a compelling cozy.
Death by Chocolate Raspberry Scone by Sarah Graves
Jake and Ellie investigate a friend’s missing husband, a pirate legend, and a mysterious gold coin—all while juggling summer tourist season at their bakery.
Why You’ll Love It: A mystery steeped in chocolate and treasure hunting, set in a quaint coastal town.
Live and Let Fly by Clover Tate
Kite shop owner Emmy Adler is preparing for a town festival when a celebrity judge is murdered—and she’s the top suspect. To save her business and reputation, she’ll have to fly into action.
Why You’ll Love It: A unique setting and sky-high stakes make this an airy, delightful summer mystery.
Want to read more Summer Cozy Mysteries book recommendations? Check out 8 more books to add to your TBR!
Guilty as Charred by Devon Delaney
Cooking contest champ Sherry Oliveri finds herself at the center of a murder investigation after a local gardener is found dead. Between planning the Fourth of July cook-off and clearing her name, she has her hands full.
Why You’ll Love It: This foodie Fourth of July mystery has flavor, firecrackers, and flair.
Independence Slay by Shelley Freydont
Event planner Liv Montgomery is coordinating Celebration Bay’s Revolutionary War reenactment when a body turns up—and a ghostly legend seems to be involved. Liv races to solve the mystery before the town’s big event implodes.
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for fans of holiday-themed cozies with high stakes and historic flair.
Dog Days of Summer by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Trina Potter returns home to help open a dog rescue, but mysterious sabotage threatens to ruin everything. With a grand opening looming, Trina must sniff out the culprit.
Why You’ll Love It: Heartwarming, wholesome, and full of furry friends, this mystery is great for dog lovers.
Scrappy Summer by Mollie Cox Bryan
A friend’s pie entry is sabotaged at the county fair, and the Cumberland Creek scrapbooking crew is on the case. Their investigation uncovers secrets—and a potential threat more serious than a pie contest.
Why You’ll Love It: Friendship, food, and crafts come together in this slice-of-life mystery.
Ready for More Cozy Crime?
If this list of summer-themed cozy mysteries has you craving more charming whodunits, we’ve got you covered for every season and sleuthing mood.
🌈 Looking for LGBTQ+ sleuths and stories? Check out our list of Queer Cozy Mysteries.
🌸 In the mood for fresh blooms and springtime suspense? Don’t miss our roundup of Spring Cozy Mysteries.
❄️ Prefer solving crimes wrapped in a blanket with hot cocoa? Explore our favorite Winter Cozy Mysteries.
No matter the season, there’s a cozy mystery waiting to whisk you away.