Have you been searching for a feel-good novel to cozy up with? A cozy mystery—typically full of lovable characters, fascinating crimes, and happy endings—is always a great option for anyone who needs a literary pick-me-up. If you need a few suggestions, check out the best selling mysteries by these much-loved writers:
Cynthia Ellison
Author Cynthia Ellingsen is the creator of the beloved, best selling Starlight Cove series, as well as numerous contemporary novels. Her books have been translated into several different languages to be enjoyed by thousands of fans around the globe. Her first book of the Starlight Cove saga, The Lighthouse Keeper, is the book that truly made Ellingson a notable author in the cozy mystery genre; read it yourself to see why so many have fallen for her stories!
Jasper Fforde
Jasper Fforde originally began his career in the film industry before he decided to pursue a full-time writing career. His best selling series, Thursday Next, began with his novel, The Eyre Affair. Also the author of the Nursery Crime series, Fforde is capable of crafting hilarious, clever, and thoroughly entertaining mysteries that definitely deserve to be enjoyed by every cozy mystery fan.
Rhys Bowen
New York Times and #1 Kindle best selling author Rhys Bowen has gained international attention for her historical mystery novels. She has been nominated for the Edgar Award and has received the Readers’ Choice Award for Favorite Mystery Series. Bowen also won the prestigious Agatha Award for Best Historical Mystery with her book, Farleigh Field, and her cozy mystery series, beginning with The Royal Spyness, was voted as one of Goodreads Top 10 Cozy Mysteries.
Molly Fitz
USA Today best selling author Molly Fitz made a name for herself in the genre with her tales of quirky animal mysteries. Fitz is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud with her charming writing style, adorable cast of characters, and healthy doses of suspense throughout her books. If you’ve ever wished you could talk to animals, you’ll adore this series!
Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie is often referred to as “The Queen of Crime” or “The Queen of Mystery,” as she is one of the major founders of the modern murder mystery story. Christie was born in 1890, and she created over 80 novels and collections of short stories over the course of six decades. Her series featuring heroine Miss Marple remains a beloved cozy mystery classic to this day.
Laurie R. King
Laurie R. King was nominated for an Agatha Award and was named one of the century’s best 100 mysteries by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association. Her Mary Russell series, which began with the fantastic book The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, tells an intriguing and one-of-a-kind story that features none other than the well-known character, Sherlock Holmes. This book will make you see Holmes in an entirely different light!
T.E. Kinsey
T.E. Kinsey grew up in London and worked as a writer for a magazine before beginning his series of mysteries featuring his quirky heroine, Lady Hardcastle. A Quiet Life in the Country, published in 2014, is the first part of Kinsey’s idyllic mystery series.
Joanne Fluke
New York Times best selling author Joanne Fluke has written over 20 novels in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series. Her enchanting books, featuring the small-town baker/amateur detective Hannah Swensen, have inspired five original Hallmark Movies!
Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander McCall Smith achieved a best selling author status in four different continents with his No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. In 2004, Smith was named the British Book Awards Author of the Year and Booksellers Association Author of the Year. He has written over 50 books so far in his career, although he’s best known for his cozy mysteries.
Amanda Flower
Amanda Flower, a USA Today bestselling author, has won an Agatha Award for her extraordinary cozy mysteries. Her debut novel, Maid of Murder, was nominated for an Agatha Award, and she has since written numerous mysteries for adults, children, and young adults. Flower has a genuine talent for making her readers laugh, and her characters are sure to stick in your memory long after you finish her books!
For more cozy mysteries to browse through, click here to view a complete, frequently-updated selection of free Kindle books currently available on Amazon. Simply click on the cozy mystery link to gain access to hundreds of free novels to enjoy!