Home » Books, Poetry & Writing » Books » Mystery

A Cozy Mystery Reading List

Ranked #513 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #24,553 overall | Donates to Squidoo Charity Fund

Wanted: a mystery novel that will not give me the willies!

Lately, I have found that there are too many mystery novels that are just too weirdly violent and make me feel like the whole world is going to hell in a hand basket.

For example, Night Vision by Randy Wayne White, seemed extremely violent to my husband and me (alligators attacking and devouring humans, snuff films, drug abuse, child abuse, torture). Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford Series had been one of my "favorites" until this book. I do not read to learn about new horrors that might be taking place in the world; I read to escape those inhuman horrors. Sure, a mystery/suspense novel does have some violence by the sheer nature of the genre -- BUT why supply all the gory details? Why give people more ideas on how to be cruel to other human beings?

That is what attracted me to a bookmark at my local library with the heading "Cozy Mysteries".

Below you will find a list of mystery novelists that might not give you nightmares--they will give you a "good read"! So find a cozy chair and curl up and read an entertaining mystery that is long on plot and short on gore! I am only naming authors that I have read and enjoyed, by the way.

Image of the cozy reading chair is from flickr user papermoons using a Creative Commons search.

(Updated: 3/9/2012)

A Cozy Debate

Participation is encouraged!

This debate is about over-doing violence in novels. Some readers are not bothered by the gory details; that is OK. I just think that there is just too much of it on the bookshelves in the library or bookstore.

You can leave a comment about why you chose the side you did in this debate after you vote. Defend your decision.

Remember to sign my guestbook further down the page and to give this lens a thumbs up, if you will. Thanks.

Are you fed up with the serial killer, too bloody descriptive, violent plots that seem to the topping the Best Seller Lists?

Loading

Yes; I prefer the cozy mysteries that leave the worst tidbits unmentioned!

rnhealthinfo says:

I can't take novels or movies that are violent, that's not entertaining to me but I know lots of people that like them. Give me a cozy, heart warming, thought provoking novel any day!

ElleryAnne says:

I love the mystery elements. Give me a nice whodunnit, some good atmosphere, and intriguing characters. If I wanted blood and gore, I'd read horror novels instead.

bettymcm says:

Yes. I'm so fed up I wrote my own cozy book. Check it out at bettymcmahonwriter.com

Centavo says:

I like some of both.

mystriterdva says:

I tried reading a best selling thriller but quit after the first chapter. Who wants to read about a nice mother getting thrown into a trunk of a car in a mall parking lot? Not me, thank you very much. I much prefer reading good mysteries that focus on motive, not gore. And that's why I write clean mysteries.

cdevries says:

I have to ration myself - a little gory, then a lot of non-gory.

resabi says:

I've definitely been a cozy mystery fan since childhood, when Nancy Drew was my standard. My all-time favorites are Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh, but lately I've been enjoying the thematic cozies.

wayne_luvinlife says:

I used to love mystery novels but they have got to predictable lately with the blood lust and serial killer themes. I agreed 100%, mystery and suspense can be exciting and engaging but, It takes perhaps more vision and creative thought than some of the writers today are willing to invest.

WordCustard says:

Definitely. I avoid them in favour of great characters and engaging plots.

AddaptAbilities says:

I can't stand our culture's obsession with the Genius Serial Killer (tm) who's always One Step Ahead Of Our Best Profilers (tm). I love a good mystery, but I don't need to read about the torture and dismemberment. Gives me nightmares!

No; give me the violent, gorey details.

pyngthyngs says:

Oh come on, the gorey stuff adds to the fright.

 
view all 13 comments

Poll: Is the violence all in your head?

I heard author Karin Slaughter speak in February 2012 at the Soutohern Voices Conference at the Hoover Public Library in Alabama. She is often criticized for making her novels too violent. Ms. Slaughter said that she did not think that her books were excessively violent and that most of the violence is in the reader's mind. In my own words, I understood her to mean that she just provides the situation, the level of the violence is imagined by the reader.

In this media hungry world, we are exposed to so very much. It sometimes seems to me that the networks and publications are trying to get higher ratings or more sales by out-doing each by using shock value. We are almost becoming numb to the horrendous happenings in this world. We can literally see it all by just searching the web or our cable TV menu.

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Getting comfy to enjoy a good book:

Enjoying a good book on a summer vaction on a yacht.On vacation you want to relax. For example, I do not enjoy watching the movie (or reading the book) "Jaws" at the beach. I just cannot enjoy getting into the water after that kind of experience. Can you?

Just imagine if the lady in the poster was reading the book Dead Calm by Charles Williams. She would not be so smilingly happy! If you remember the movie based on this novel of the same titlemurder mystery movie dead calm, it is about a mass-murderer that has just kidnapped Nicole Kiddman after he leaves her husband on a boat with the slaughtered crew. Talk about stressing one out! No thank you. Cannot even think about it.

A Woman in a Bikini Reading a Book on a Yacht Poster is from Allposters.com.

A fun article to read, by the way, is "Noir on A Boat": Films that I discovered while researching this article about cozy mysteries. The author writes about all the "noir" mystery movies he can think of that take place on sailing vessels.

Reading Journal

Keep track of the mystries that you have read.

How many times have you needed a list of what books you have read, who recommended a book, or what made you love a book? For me, it is almost every day.

See the "mini-journal" to the right.
Reading Journal: For Book Lovers

Reading Journal: For Book Lovers

by: Potter Style

Amazon Price: $6.48 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Keep a list of what your have read and what you want to read.

Cozy Mystery author Author Susan Wittig Albert

Ms. Albert's series featuring China Bayles is one of my favorites. I am known to have a preference for female detectives and China is one of the best amateur sleuths I have found. Ms. Bayles is a former lawyer who has run from the big city to the Hill Country of Texas where she peruses her passion for growing herbs. Each mystery has the name of an herb and one learns about it as well. So "educational entertainment" is one of the pluses in these mysteries. Not an oxymoron, by the way.

Another feature of these tales is the way Ms. Albert effectively weaves the lives of the characters into the stories. This meets the criteria for Cozy-Mystery.com of having "characters who I could envision having as neighbors or friends."
Loading

Cozy Writer M. C. Beaton

I have actually not "read" any M.C. Beaton mysteries--I have listened to the audio books! They are delightful.

I prefer the Hamish MacBeth series, myself. There was also a British TV series on the air at one time. Hamish is a policeman in a small Scottish town and he does not want to get promoted! He absolutely loves the village of Loch Dubh (sounds like "lock doo) in the Scottish Highlands and cannot imagine what would happen to the locals if he were promoted and the police station would close.

That is another criteria of a "cozy mystery": most of these mysteries take place in a small, picturesque town or village.

FYI: visit Heartwarming Christmas Story: A Highlands Christmas to read about that Hamish audio book.
Loading

Diane Mott Davidson writes comfort food mysteries:

Cozy enough for apres ski enjoyment by a blazing fire.

I discovered Ms. Davidson when I lived in Denver. I love to read books that are set in locales with which I am familiar. Her mysteries are set in a fictional town inspired by Evergreen, CO. Of course, if there were as many murders in Evergreen as there are in fictional Aspen Meadows, then the population would be moving out in droves. Also, if a character knows Goldy, the diva of these books, then his or her days are numbered. I am surprised that Marla (Goldie's best pal and ex-wife of G's ex-husband) is still breathing.

These mysteries are such fun to read because of Ms. Davidson's comedic writing style. She also includes really good recipes in the books as well. Oh did I mention that the lead character is a chef and caterer? I have made quite a few in Colorado and in the low altitudes of the South USA. My favorite one is for the "Marmalade Mogul Muffins". I made these for my book club when living in Colorado. They were a hit.

Oh yes, read them in order to keep up with who is alive or dead. You won't want to read about someone if you know they are bumped off in a later book. It spoils the fun.
Loading

Southern Cozy Author Anne George

One of the best warm and fuzzy mystery authors you can find.

Anne George is one of my very favorite southern authors. Unfortunately, she died not too many years ago, and left a gaping void on my bookshelf that cannot be filled.

I met Ms. George at a conference and she autographed a few of my books, God love her! I liked her "Southern Sisters" series so much that I bought the entire set for my mother. After my mom died, I was clearing out her bookshelves and found all of Ms. George's books tied together with a pink ribbon. My mother usually gave her books to the local library in Lillian, Alabama, but she was saving the ones I gave her. I now have them on my own shelf and loan them to my own daughters when they ask me for a good book to read on vacation.

My husband even enjoys listening to the audio versions of the Anne George mysteries. We quite enjoy the humorous situations that the sisters Patricia Anne and the elder Mary Alice find themselves in. The only problem we have with the audio is that the reader does tend to mispronounce some of the "southernisms" in the books.
Loading

Martha Grimes is "cozy", too.

Ms. Grimes's Richard Jury series is not fun, but the books are oh so intriguing. Set in the countryside of England, most of the novels have the name of a pub in the title. The plots are twisted in that there can be many different characters who may or may not be the criminal. Grimes keeps you guessing until the very end. I have both read and listened to the audio versions of the novels and quite enjoy both.

What makes these mysteries cozy? Well, the pub atmosphere and the quaint small village settings. I can just imagine myself curled up in a thatched roofed cottage enjoying a cup of tea (or a most likely a "pint") and reading every word.
Loading

13 "Cozy" mystery authors unknown to me--

Recommended by my local library on a bookmark:

I am listing authors below that I have never heard of before I saw this "Cozy Mysteries" bookmark in my local library. Perhaps you have never heard of them, either. If that is the case, then we have found a few new mystery authors to try!

If you click on the names of the mystery novelists here, you will be taken to a new window on Amazon.com. Some of the links are to "Amazon Author Pages".

This list of cozy mystery authors is in alphabetical order.
  • 1Lydia Adamson
    Looks like this author has 2 series featuring "Alice Nestleton" who teams up with cats, and "Dr. Deidre Nightingale" who runs with hounds.
  • 2Catherine Aird
    Author of the "Rue Morgue Classic British Mysteries".
  • 3Bruce Alexander
    Clicking this link will take you to a page with Sir John Fielding books listed in order. Most of the books seem to have received 4 out of 5 stars in the ratings. Guessing that these mysteries are set in England.
  • 4Donna Andrews
    Writes comic mysteries books featuring ornamental blacksmith Meg Langslow.
  • 5Robert Barnard
    This gentleman author has several series including one that sounds like fun called "Murder and Mayhem".
  • 6Stephanie Barron
    An educated lady who writes a critically-acclaimed Jane Austen Mystery Series, in which the intrepid and witty author of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE details her secret detective career in Regency England.
  • 7Carol Lea Benjamin
    Author who seems to know dogs.
  • 8Barbara Colley
    Charlotte LaRue series that features a character that is good at something I am not--cleaning and solving murders!
  • 9Susan Conant
    Writes "The Dog Lovers Mysteries" series.
  • 10Jeanne M. Dams
    An American lady who wishes she lived in a 17th century cottage in Sussex.
  • 11E. X. Ferrars
    Author of three mystery series that feature a retired professor of botany, a reporter, and a Physiotherapist & Thief.
  • 12Earlene Fowler
    Fowler's sleuth, Benni Harper is the curator of San Celina's folk art museum and married to the chief of police. I bet these mysteries are set in California where the author lives.
  • 13Janis Harrison
    Author of "The Garden Mysteries". I am always looking for the killer of my tomato plants, seriously.

Even More Cozy Mystery Blogs

Created by mystery readers like you.

If you have a favorite page that features cozy mystery books, please add the link below. I moderate this list and only appropriate links will be featured. Be sure to come back and vote (and tell your friends, too). Keep your page at the top of the list.

One of the blogs listed below, That's Lovely!, was submitted by the author Nancy Jill Thames. She has visited this page and left a comment and the link to her blog. Thanks, Nancy!

Image of the detective is from Microsoft Clipart.

1

Vote Up

Cozy-Mystery.Com

A guide to cozy mysteries.0 points

2

Vote Up

List of Cozy Authors - Mystery Net Community

Discuss List of Cozy Authors at Mystery Net Commun more...0 points

3

Vote Up

That's Lovely!

Sharing ideas that make life rewarding. A site to more...0 points

Cozy up to Nancy Jill Thames

aka: "mystriterdva"

A novel written by a visitor to this page, Ms. Thames is has the screen name mystriterdva on Squidoo. Hopefully, she will write some lenses for us to read, as well.
Murder in Half Moon Bay (The Jillian Bradley Mysteries, Vol. 1)

Murder in Half Moon Bay (The Jillian Bradley Mysteries, Vol. 1)

by: Nancy Jill Thames

Amazon Price: $8.10 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Are you fed up with the gore and violence in mystery novels?

So, which type of mystery novel would you like to read? The violent, bloody, macabre ones? Or the cozy variety? Any particular novelist mentioned here pull at you from the computer screen?

I will be adding more authors in the next few weeks. If you have a favorite that you want mentioned, please let me know.

  • Wednesday_Elf May 18, 2012 @ 7:40 am | delete
    Leave out the gore, but most described 'violence' in a mystery novel is created by the reader's imagination from the author's description. I see your point for having a pleasant 'read', but I need a bit of tension and suspense in my mysteries, so am not really interested in the 'chocolates' and 'herbs', cats & dogs based mysteries. I actually am more drawn to police procedurals, I think -- stories where the main character is a policeman, detective, private detective or FBI. So, guess I'm not into 'cozy'. :)
  • ElleryAnne May 17, 2012 @ 5:46 pm | delete
    Nice lens! My personal favorites are Ellery Queen (okay, maybe I'm partial, given my name) and anything by Josephine Tey.
  • Centavo Apr 5, 2012 @ 6:15 pm | delete
    I don't mind some gore and violence as long as it fits in the story. But sometimes there is just too much and I skip over it.
  • agoofyidea Mar 5, 2012 @ 2:18 pm | delete
    I like gore when it adds to plot. When it is put in just to gross me out I can do without it. I read cozies, noir, hardboiled, and everything else as long as it has a good mystery with good characters in it. Blessed.
  • writergrey Feb 15, 2012 @ 10:04 pm | delete
    I prefer cozies, but once in a while I'll read a gorier one if the writing is very good.
  • Deadicated Dec 25, 2011 @ 1:00 am | delete
    I like Rex Stout.
  • ZodiacImmortal Sep 22, 2011 @ 9:19 pm | delete
    Added to my Reading (no Bummer ____reader in the blank I write Summer, fall Season whatever) lens in featured lenses.
  • cdevries Aug 23, 2011 @ 11:02 am | delete
    My favorites are still the classic English writers Dorothy Sayers and Josephine Tey.
  • franstan Jul 29, 2011 @ 9:02 pm | delete
    You have provided me with a list of books I just have to read. Thanks
  • Mickie_G Aug 1, 2011 @ 8:23 am | delete
    Glad that you have found my list of cozy mysteries helpful. Good Reading to you!
  • prosperity66 Jul 27, 2011 @ 4:50 am | delete
    Although I've read some gore books in my early life, I quickly stopped because they provided me with nightmares.

    My favourite authors are Ellery Queen, Agatha Christie, Martha Grimes, Georges Simenon (since I'm of a French culture) and a few others.

    Still, although they're quite violent, I've appreciated Patricia Cornewell's Kate Scarpetta novels. But they more relate to reality situations than to pure violence.
  • Mickie_G Aug 14, 2011 @ 5:23 am | delete
    I enjoyed the earlier Scarpetta novels. The newest ones in this series were too "character driven" for me. I enjoy a good story.
  • Ruthi Jul 22, 2011 @ 8:19 am | delete
    First, thank you for adding this to the list on my Sipping on Summer lens! I enjoy the lack of blood and gore mysteries you've shared, especially the list by author Diane Mott Davidson -- recipes included sounds great! Oh, and, thanks for the link for the Reading Journal -- great idea!
  • resabi Jul 16, 2011 @ 1:26 pm | delete
    I'm definitely a fan of cozy mysteries. I can recommend 2 of the authors on your "unknown" author list: Barnard and Aird -- both are great reads. This lens is a great intro to the cozy mystery genre. Thanks.
  • Mickie_G Aug 14, 2011 @ 5:25 am | delete
    I have not read those authors. Thanks for the recommendation. I will read them soon.
  • wayne_luvinlife Jul 11, 2011 @ 10:49 am | delete
    Because of the lack of tasteful and engaging mystery novels as of late, I have switched to more motivational real life stories and novels celebrating the beauty and strength of the people in this world that make it better for all of us! However, I would love to read a good mystery soon! thanks for the lens! Very nicely done!
  • WordCustard Jul 9, 2011 @ 3:49 am | delete
    Thanks for these recommendations, I enjoy a good mystery but hate gore and violence. I'll be looking out for these authors. Great concept for a lens.
  • AddaptAbilities Jul 8, 2011 @ 5:27 pm | delete
    This is a great page. I think you'd really love the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books my Alexander McCall Smith. They take place in Botswana, the mysteries are very low key, and the protagonists are all people I would love to have as neighbors.
  • Mickie_G Aug 14, 2011 @ 5:29 am | delete
    I adore the stories of Alexander McCall Smith. Particularly the HBO series
    based on them.
  • littlelotus Jul 7, 2011 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    spare me the gory details anytime..... I hate those. Don't read much, but this is an excellent lens..... :)
  • kimmanleyort Jul 7, 2011 @ 11:21 am | delete
    Excellent list and I like your "cozy mystery" term. Blessed.
  • pacrapacma Jul 7, 2011 @ 10:36 am | delete
    I don't usually read mystery novels, because usually there is a killing or crime. I prefer to read other types of books when I have time. The news is enough of a downer for me. I might find a good mystery novel in your group of recommendations though. Is there one in particular you would suggest that is upbeat with a happy ending? I love happy endings.
  • Waxing-Lyrical Jul 7, 2011 @ 9:38 am | delete
    I don't get to read much these days, but many of the mystery novelists seem to be going the way of blood and gore. If it's well-written, that part of the subject matter doesn't bother me too much. If it's just there for shock value, then I would probably put the book down.
Show All

by

Mickie_G

Looking for a good book to read? You have come to an excellent page, then. I was a librarian whose job it was to help people find their next book to r... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

A Mini Reading Journal 

What I Read (Red) Mini Journal

What I Read (Red) Mini Journal

by: Potter Style

Amazon Price: $4.05 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Purse size!

Related Tags