5 Mysteries That Blend Coziness, Horror, and Romance

When we were asked to shift our focus from Midwestern small-town witchiness to Midwestern small town cozy horror for our second series, we…weren’t exactly sure what that meant.

We already knew that our readers seemed to be divided on our Witchlore series. Some found it cozy, others found it scary. That made us think that we were on the right track for cozy horror, so when we started writing Some Kind of Haunted, the first book in our new duology, we tried to lean into what we thought we did best: found family, humor, small town shenanigans, and romance layered into some genuinely eerie moments.

When it comes out August 25, you can see if you think we nailed it.

In preparing to write it, however, we also looked at a lot of books, trying to see how best to hit that sweet spot. For us, cozy horror is about the creepy atmosphere and the thrill that horror brings layered in with the emotional comfort and intimacy of cozier fiction. We like books that reassured us that human connection, courage, and hope endures no matter how terrible or scary the circumstances. And a romance never goes amiss, either.

Here are our top five novels that we think influenced or exemplified the subgenre—and certainly influenced us.

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Shirley Jackson, We Have Always Lived in the Castle

The quintessential Gothic cozy horror novel. Its secluded estate, intimate cast, domestic rituals, and pervasive atmosphere create a story that is unsettling without relying on graphic horror. It has influenced generations of writers, including us!

Michael McDowell, The Elementals

A masterclass in atmospheric Southern Gothic. Family dynamics, an isolated beach setting, and slow-building supernatural dread make this a perfect example of horror that prioritizes mood over shock.

Rachel Harrison, Cackle

One of the books that helped define the modern cozy horror movement. We love this book. It combines witchcraft, friendship, autumnal charm, and gentle humor with genuine moments of unease.

Darcy Coates, Craven Manor

Darcy Coates has become synonymous with cozy haunted-house fiction. This novel features ghostly mysteries, an atmospheric manor, and a hopeful emotional core that exemplifies the subgenre’s comforting side.

Grady Hendrix, My Best Friend’s Exorcism

A nostalgic blend of coming-of-age story, friendship, and supernatural horror. While it contains some frightening scenes, its emotional warmth and focus on loyalty make it one of the genre’s most beloved modern examples.

We hope you love this subgenre as much as we do! Happy reading!

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