It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on my bookshelf. The minute I take down the Halloween décor, I dive headfirst into holiday mode, especially where my books are concerned. I start by pulling up a stack of cozy mysteries to read by the fire with care. Because I know the spirit of Christmas is always found there. (It rhymes and it’s true!)
The cozy mystery genre always provides the positive vibes people crave this time of year. Themes like friendship, family, inclusion, and acceptance are hallmarks of the genre. I also enjoy the expressed kindness of characters supporting, encouraging, and helping other characters, simply because it’s the right thing to do, and of course, the bad guy ALWAYS gets his dues. Good ALWAYS prevails. And because these are cozies, readers receive the added bonus of a puzzle to play and a mystery to solve.
I mean— who doesn’t want all that? I am living for it. Everyday. Especially at Christmas.
For those of you who are new to the genre, or trying to decide where to begin with the holiday installments, I’ve got you covered! I’ve created a carefully curated list of excellent holiday-themed cozy mysteries. From well-established series to new releases, there’s sure to be a book here for you!
The Mrs. Claus Mysteries by Liz Ireland
I’m starting with a series instead of an individual book, because this set is too good not to headline. With five books available so far, including a new installment this year, The Mrs. Claus Mysteries are understandable holiday faves. There’s something intrinsically hilarious and heartwarming about a woman who unwittingly falls in love with the ACTUAL Santa Claus and has to acclimate to the Santa’s-wife life. Dive in with the series debut, Mrs. Claus & the Santaland Slayings: A Funny and Festive Christmas Cozy Mystery, and when you fall in love with April and the crew like I did, there will be four more in the series to read. It’s like a quadruple Christmas bonus.
A Killer Christmas Wish, A Kat Latimer Mystery by Lynn Cahoon
Next up, from NYT bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, comes a new Cat Latimer mystery. Cat and the gang are trying to get into the holiday spirit and zhush the place up before the last writer’s retreat of the year when tragedy occurs. One of their guests, a nonfiction author, turns up dead before the retreat can even get started! But never fear! Cat and the crew get to the bottom of this mystery in the most holiday-spirited way. All fans of the genre, series, or this incredible author, would be quite merry to find this one under the tree.
Fiddle Me This, book 7 in the Magically Suspicious Mysteries by Misty Simon
I should start by saying, who doesn’t like a Misty Simon mystery? And follow up with, if you haven’t read her, this is your sign to start. Did I mention I have something for everyone? Because this cozy series is paranormal, and paranormal cozy fans need Christmas cozies too.
It’s winter solstice at the ren faire in Fiddle Me This, and Verla, our delightfully quirky main character, is looking forward to a night of celebration with friends. It’s been a stressful year in Verla’s world, but the friends are holding out hope for one perfect night to party. Unfortunately, a devil shows up looking for his long-lost fiddle, and things go south from there. FAST. Prepare for a wild ride, zany monsters, ghost carolers, and otherworldly delights in this holiday cozy mystery!
Death by Peppermint Cappuccino, A Bookstore Café Mystery by Alex Ericson
This long-running cozy mystery series is a fan-fave for good reason. Ericson is a seasoned professional at serving up good times with his fictional Pine Hills bookstore café, and the 2024 holiday release, Death by Peppermint Cappuccino, is another bound for the annual wish list.
In this holiday installment, shop owners are under attack as complaints of price gouging at the Christmas arise. It’s not long before an owner winds up dead and others are targeted. The beloved series heroine, Krissy, gets involved in the case, despite a number of personal distractions, and the most delightful of hijinks ensue. Whether you’re new to the series or the genre, this book is a guaranteed double shot of holiday fun.
Gingerbread Danger, an Amish Candy Shop Mystery, by Amanda Flower
Last, but never least, and a personal absolute favorite of mine, is USA Today bestselling author, Amanda Flower. I never miss a chance to return to Harvest, Ohio for each new Amish Candy Shop Mystery. In Gingerbread Danger, book 8, and this year’s newest release, our heroine, Bailey, is preparing for the grand opening of her chocolate factory, but the death of a friend puts a damper on the celebration.
The deliciously described sweets, charming Amish town, and a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square, make this a holiday cozy not to miss. The precious, and hilarious, cast of characters, including everyone’s favorite, Jethro the pig, tie the proverbial red ribbon on a perfect holiday read.
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Whatever you read this holiday season, I hope it’s warm and cozy like the stories above and so many more in this incredible and heartwarming genre. There’s something about Christmas cheer and the cast of bookish friends in these cozy mystery worlds to make the season a little brighter.
Have you read any of these stories? What are your favorite holiday cozy mysteries?
