Cozy Mysteries for the Spooky Season
By Cielle Kenner
When the leaves start falling, the pumpkin spice flows, and Halloween skeletons come out of the closet, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a spooky cozy mystery. Cozy mysteries provide the thrill of a whodunit without the nightmares, blending suspense with charm. Here’s a list of 13 enchanting reads to thrill and chill you this Halloween.
1. Daggers and Disguises by Cielle Kenner
I’ll start by recommending one of my own books, featuring Marley Montgomery, proprietor of the Enchanted Antique Shop. It’s set, of course, on Halloween night, at the Parthenon Theater in Enchanted Springs. When a midnight matinee turns deadly, Marley finds herself entangled in a mystery worthy of the silver screen.
Time literally stands still as Marley and her eclectic ensemble—from both sides of the veil—sift through secrets, lies, and shocking betrayals. Will they unmask the killer before the final curtain? Or will this Halloween mystery remain cloaked in darkness forever? https://amzn.to/4hhsu4d
2. A Graveyard of Secrets: A Cozy Mystery Tribe Anthology
You’ll find Marley in this anthology, too, featuring Halloween stories from 14 cozy mystery authors. My story, “Moonshade,” is the first one in the collection, and it introduces a new character: a sassy (but cursed) black cat.
Decades ago, a magical mix-up bound a sassy black cat to the graveyard. Now he demands his freedom. Can Marley break the spell this Halloween? https://amzn.to/4hm9DFe
3. Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook
In a haunted library, Carrie Singleton finds herself solving a cold case murder with the help of a ghostly librarian. Spooky, bookish fun for the season! https://amzn.to/3YDf632
4. Trick or Treat Murder by Leslie Meier
As the town of Tinker’s Cove prepares for Halloween, Lucy Stone finds herself investigating an arsonist-turned-murderer. Costumes, cupcakes, and clues abound! https://amzn.to/3C2pTej
5.
Turning her cat into a waitress seemed like the purrfect solution to a busy night at Magic Cakes Café… until a guest is murdered. https://amzn.to/3NCZTZF
6. Murder in the Bayou Boneyard by Ellen Byron
Ghosts and family secrets collide in this New Orleans mystery, where spooky charm meets Southern hospitality. Add it to your TBR for a Halloween escape! https://amzn.to/3YDgItC
7. Rest in Pieces by Rita Mae Brown
In this feline-friendly tale, Mrs. Murphy, a sleuthing cat, and her corgi companion uncover a sinister plot in their small town. Perfect for animal lovers! https://amzn.to/4f3F85h
8. A
It’s spooky season in Holiday Junction and Halloweenie Festival is a hauntingly great time. Treats aren’t just sweet and delicious, sometimes they’re also deadly. https://amzn.to/40eymVO
9. The Halloween Mystery Spell by Morgana Best
This magical cozy is filled with spells, secrets, and surprises. If you love paranormal cozies with quirky witches, this one’s for you! https://amzn.to/4e0o4fk
10. Nightmare in Halloween Hollow by Addison Moore
A small-town murder club faces its spookiest case yet in this Halloween-themed mystery. Packed with charm and twists, it’s a must-read for cozy mystery fans. https://amzn.to/4hn4VH0
11. The Legend of Sleepy Harlow by Kylie Logan
In this third installment of the League of Literary Ladies series, a group of amateur sleuths tackles a mystery involving the ghost of a Prohibition-era bootlegger. The story weaves folklore with humor, making it a perfect Halloween cozy. https://amzn.to/4fgYV0T
12. Stirring the Plot by Daryl Wood Gerber
Jenna Hart, a bookstore owner, gets involved in solving a mysterious murder that occurs during a Halloween fundraiser luncheon. With a hint of witchcraft and a delightful small-town setting, this cozy mystery is both magical and suspenseful. https://amzn.to/48jzFVx
13. Pumpkins & Poltergeists by Nyx Halliwell
In this paranormal cozy, the protagonist returns to her hometown to uncover a family curse, only to find herself dealing with ghosts—and a murder mystery. A perfect blend of Halloween vibes and supernatural fun. https://amzn.to/48nzAjB
What Do You Think?
Do you have a favorite Halloween cozy? Share it in the comments!
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