So often in books and movies, women are put against one another. There is some sort of competitive spirit or revived childhood rivalry over social status, a job promotion, or even a love interest. The stereotypical “mean girl” of the cast brings out a malicious and spiteful side to the main character when they interact.
Even in cozy mysteries, a genre known for being more lighthearted than most, this troupe can be found. But many cozies also embrace the importance of featuring strong and positive women friendships. The amateur sleuth is uplifted and aided by a BFF, sister, cousin, co-worker, whomever, and I love seeing this trend of women supporting women featured in cozies.
One of my favorite parts of writing Murder by the Seashore was the dynamics my main character has with her closest friends. Scarlett and her roommate Lucia quickly become best friends after moving into a town house together. Scarlett listens to Lucia’s retellings of her court cases and sympathizes when her work gets tough. Lucia sticks up for Scarlett and helps her clear her name when Scarlett is suspected of murdering a Jane Doe found on the beach. Scarlett also has a close relationship with her sister Olivia, despite the fact that Olivia lives on the other side of the world. Their relationship reflects everyday life for many people where close friendships can be maintained with video chatting and instant messaging even with numerous time zones separating friends. Scarlett and Olivia make it a priority to check in with each other and offer love, advice, or even just a listening ear.
Here is my list of eight cozy mysteries where women lift each other up and work together to save the day.
Murder by the Book by Lauren Elliott
In the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries, Addie Greyborne meets her future BFF in the first book. Serena Chandler owns the tea shop next door to Addie’s bookstore, and the two quickly put their heads together to find a murderer after Serena is under suspicion of murdering another local shop owner. Even though they only recently met, Addie is willing to jump in and help Serena, and Serena helps Addie get settled in her new town.
Dead as a Door Knocker by Diane Kelly
Whitney Whitaker, a carpenter, and her best friend Colette, a chef, may have very different careers in the House-Flipper Mysteries, but that doesn’t stop them from having genuine interest in what’s going on in the other friend’s job. They encourage each other to pursue their dreams, and when they end up as roommates, their friendship grows even stronger. Whitney is also very supportive of her cousin Buck dating Colette.
Grounds for Murder by Tara Lush
The Coffee Lover’s Mysteries is another series where the main character, Lana Lewis, meets a new friend on page. Readers can watch the friendship develop between her and the new barista, Erica. Even though they are technically an employee/employer relationship, Lana lets Erica lead where she shines. They work with each other to strengthen their skills to compete in the Sunshine State Barista Championship. These two also have a lot of fun banter, and I love that they challenge each other with a little bit of tough love.
A Crafter Knits a Clue by Holly Quinn
The friendships of Samantha “Sammy” Kane in the Handcrafted Mysteries are primarily with her sister Elle and her cousin Heidi, but her backstory shows just how much Sammy cared for her best friend, Kate. After Kate’s death, Sammy dropped everything to take over her craft store and keep her legacy alive. It’s a beautiful act of friendship. I also love the friendship of Sammy, Heidi, and Elle. In order to solve the murder of the owner of the local yarn shop, the three of them team up to resurrect their childhood detective club called S.H.E.
Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany
Gemma Doyle runs her Great Uncle Arthur’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop while her friend Jayne Wilson runs Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room next door in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries. Their friendship dynamic is very much that of Watson and Holmes in the classic books. Even though Gemma can sometimes tend to be a bit difficult to be around, Jayne always supports and treasures her best friend. These two really complement and balance each other out, perhaps more so than other friendship duos in this list. After all, where would Holmes be without his Watson?
A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette
The Ice Cream Parlor Mysteries is another series that features a trio of best friends—each with radically different personalities. With Maisie marching to the beat of her own drum and giving cliché investigating suggestions right out of a BBC murder show and Riya with her fiery temperament and fierce loyalty, main character Bronwyn “Win” Crewse falls in between the two with her more subdue nature. The three always work out their differences, but not before shenanigans take place first.
Six Sweets Under by Sarah Fox
Rebecca “Becca” Ransom and Desiree “Dizzy” Bautista have been best friends their whole lives but have spent a number of years apart as Becca was pursuing her acting career in Los Angeles. That didn’t put any strain on their friendship, though, and after Becca moves back home to Vermont, they can spend time together every day in the True Confections Mysteries. These two will drop everything for the other if she is in need, but they also tell it to each other straight. I love that even though they don’t sugarcoat their thoughts and feelings, nothing will stop them from helping each other through the tough times.
The Secret, Book, & Scone Society by Ellery Adams
This cozy mystery series might be the ultimate example of women supporting women. The characters in this book created their Secret, Book, and Scone Society around that very thing. Nora Pennington and her friends, Hester, June, and Estella, grow in their friendships and support each other through good times and bad, and there tend to be a lot of bad times for these four. But together, they overcome trials and face brighter days with solid friendships by their sides.
Thank you to these cozy mysteries for being fantastic examples of strong friendships! Grab one to share with your BBFF (Best Bookish Friend Forever!)
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