It's chilly and the days are growing shorter, which means it's perfect timing for a mystery! Last month we talked about cozy horror; this month we are talking about cozy mysteries. This is arguably the most familiar of the "cozy" subgenres. Bookish Brews defines cozy mysteries as "a sub-genre of crime fiction, where sex, violence, and cursing are kept to a minimum, and often happen off state… These novels are light, fast-paced, and generally focus on plot and character development, which ensures a comforting and predictable feeling for the reader." Are you just starting to read this genre or looking to try a new-to-you author? Check out one of these five suggestions.
Board to Death by C.J. Connor
C.J. Connor has been reviewing books for BookRiot and NoveList for years, and this is their debut novel. Set in his home state of Utah, Board to Death stars an anxious, ex-academic-turned-game-shop-owner gay protagonist who is struggling to care for his sick father and keep the store afloat. Then, a customer keels over dead in his doorway. Flustered over what to do, he teams up with the florist next door to catch the murderer (and possibly feelings). This is a gentle romance with an upbeat story that prioritizes character growth over clever twists, making it a charming introduction for romance readers interested in cozy mysteries. The anxiety representation is particularly touching.
The Frangipani Tree Mystery by Ovidia Yu
Travel back to 1930s, Singapore in this series opener by beloved author Ovidia Yu. Protagonist SuLin turns her inquisitive nature from reporting to crime solving, manipulating Britain's racist prejudice in her favor. Similar to Perveen Mistry in The Widows of Malabar Hill, Yu leverages SuLin's unique access to community in order to play the role of amateur sleuth. The setting is a real standout in this novel, as is the upbeat tone. Kirkus describes it as a "vintage whodunit bubbling with charm and an infectious curiosity about human nature." *Chef's kiss!*
Murder in G Major by Alexia Gordon
In addition to writing cozy mysteries, Alexia Gordon also hosts a cozy mystery podcast on which she interviews other cozy mystery authors. You can listen to "The Cozy Corner with Alexia Gordon" here. This award-winning title stars Black classical musician Gethsemane Brown. Finding herself jobless in Ireland, she accepts the serendipitously offered (and remote) position as the music director for an Irish countryside all boys school. Bonus - the job comes with lodging! And a ghost. Well-developed characters and a small town full of secrets make for an engaging story and series. Reading this will make you want to curl up with your music streaming service of choice (including the library!) and listen to the several pieces referenced in this series.
Artifact by Gigi Pandian
Gigi Pandian is one of the co-founders of Crime Writers of Color, a supportive author community that maintains an ever-growing booklist and hosts a phenomenal bookish podcast. Like Murder in G Major, Artifact primarily takes place in contemporary Scotland. Historian Jaya Jones receives a mysterious set of jewels in the mail from her ex-apparently-now-dead boyfriend, alongtrai with a confusing note that draws her abroad to hunt for clues. She teams up with an ex-con-turned-academic, and together they traipse around the Scottish Highlands, looking for connections between Indian and Scottish history. If you enjoy a treasure hunt with a side of romantic tension, start here. If you like your mysteries with a side of urban fantasy, check out Gigi Pandian's other series, Accidental Alchemist Mystery.
Assault and Pepper by Leslie Budewitz
It wouldn't be a cozy mystery booklist without at least one story relating to food! This entire series is set in Pike Place Market and the local politics throughout the background of the story will resonate with folks who have lived in the area for the last couple of decades. The sense of place is strong in this one! In this series, Pepper Reece has taken over ownership of the Seattle Spice Shop, and in each book, she somehow gets caught up in a murder most foul. Throughout her investigations, she enjoys cooking, allowing delighted readers to relish over food descriptions and recipes. If you enjoy an amateur sleuth, culinary themes, and a Seattle vibe, this fun series is for you.
~Posted by Genesee R.
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