Hello Reader,
Hope your Saturday is starting off on a great note. It’s been a super busy week here and, while I’ve been just floored by the wonderful responses to the newsletter, I haven’t responded to everyone. But I will. Hopefully today.
Other than reading and responding to your replies, the most important items on my agenda this weekend are:
- 🔨 Checking our privacy fence for loose boards and securing them for winter.
- 🐗 Watching the Razorbacks play LSU in a classic Southeast Conference football matchup.
Not really that big on football, but watching the Hogs is kind of a rule in Arkansas — and certainly in my house. 😎
I intended to include some cozy book recommendations from your replies last week, but I haven’t had a chance to read through all of them yet. 😬 I’ll make sure to compile those and send them in next week’s newsletter. Stay tuned for your fellow readers' suggestions!
Let’s get to the reading list. These are cozy-esque books I’ve either read or am eager to read.
Cozy-esque Mysteries for (Almost) Every Mood
Last week, we dove into The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and reflected on what type of cozy mystery might match your mindset. I asked a few questions to help guide your reading choices:
- What mood are you in?
- What's your energy level?
- Do you enjoy puzzles and problem-solving?
- How much realism do you like in your stories?
With these in mind, here’s a list of cozy (and cozy-esque) mysteries based on your responses to these quick reflections. Whether you're in the mood for something light and fun or ready to tackle a tricky puzzle, there's a cozy mystery here for you!
Roger Ackroyd-esque Cozies (Classic Cozies with a Twist)
For those who love a good twist or a cozy mystery that subverts the usual formula, these picks will keep you on your toes.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Agatha Christie
A classic with one of the most famous twists in mystery history. This book isn’t just cozy—it’s clever, surprising, and challenges you to think differently about how mysteries are told. Book notes from last week's Unhustled Newsletter
Towards Zero, Agatha Christie
Another Christie gem, playing with timelines and perspectives in a way that adds layers to the mystery. Perfect for fans of a more cerebral, unexpected cozy. Another quite unexpected killer emerges in this one. Didn't see it coming.
The Marlow Murder Club, Robert Thorogood
Older amateur sleuths team up to solve a murder in this delightful cozy. The charming setting and surprising twists make it a great fit for this category. Love me some British authors!
Richard Osman-esque Cozies (Poignant, Fun Mysteries)
These cozies balance fun and emotional depth, with character-driven stories that warm your heart while keeping you engaged with the mystery.
📚📚📚📚 The Thursday Murder Club, Richard Osman (Next week's Unhustled Newsletter featured book)
This modern cozy features a group of seniors solving cold cases. It’s full of humor and heart, making it both fun and surprisingly poignant. I really loved this series.
📚📚📚 Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, Elle Cosimano
A hilarious, silly, and wild little mystery series about a single mom-turned-crime solver. This book’s mix of humor, chaos, and charm gives it a similar feel to Osman's work.
📚📚📚 Old Girls Behaving Badly, Kate Galley
A group of older women get into all kinds of trouble while solving a mystery. The mix of humor and the deep friendships between the women make this a great choice for cozy fans who enjoy emotional stories.
Writer Mysteries (Cozy Mysteries for Book Lovers)
These cozies are perfect for readers who love mysteries with a literary twist, often featuring writers or set in bookish environments.
📚📚📚 The Woman in the Library, Sulari Gentill
Set in the Boston Public Library, this cozy-esque mystery features a writer and a group of strangers drawn into a mysterious crime. It’s an intriguing, layered story that’ll appeal to book lovers and puzzle-solvers alike.
The Writer’s Apprentice Mysteries, Amanda Flower (on my list)
In this cozy series, a young writer becomes the apprentice to a famous mystery novelist—and soon finds herself solving real-life mysteries.
Books Can Be Deceiving, Jenn McKinlay (on my list)
A library director and her best friend get tangled in a real-life mystery involving a local author.
Lighter, Modern Cozies (Fun and Fresh Cozies)
These mysteries may not fit the traditional cozy mold, but they still have small communities, amateur detectives, and limited violence—making them cozy-adjacent and perfect for a lighter read.
📚📚📚📚 A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson
Although aimed at a younger audience, this modern mystery has all the cozy vibes: a small-town setting, a young amateur detective, and plenty of intrigue without the grit.
📚📚📚 Veridian Sterling Fakes It, Jennifer Gooch Hummer
This lighthearted mystery follows Veridian, a young artist who gets swept up in an art heist. No murder here, but plenty of caper-style fun with quirky characters and a cozy tone.
I hope these cozy (and cozy-esque) mysteries help you find the perfect read for your current mood! Whether you're in the mood for a classic twist or something with humor and heart, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Have a wonderful weekend. Make time to read something, just for fun.
Time for me to take some time to respond to your kind comments and suggestions. 😎
— Tracy
