3 Signs You'll Love The Cozy Mystery Genre, As Told To Us By Author Ellen Byron

If you love mystery stories but balk at violence, then the cozy mystery genre might be for you. "Cozy mysteries are basically defined as mysteries that feature an amateur sleuth and are devoid of graphic sex, violence, and profanity," award-winning author Ellen Byron exclusively told Women. Byron is a USA Today best-selling author of several popular series, including "Cajun Country Mysteries" and "Vintage Cookbook Mysteries."

These lighthearted whodunit stories tend to be a bit like the classic board game "Clue," with normal people piecing together the answers to a mystery — instead of, say, a police detective hot on the trail of an active serial killer. Agatha Christie, author of classics like "Murder on the Orient Express," is the queen of the cozy mystery genre. She's famous for creating iconic detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Plus, she was a master of the closed circle mystery, in which a murder occurs at an isolated location where everyone is a suspect, a mainstay in the cozy mystery genre.

If you love solving a good puzzle or you're looking for something relaxing to read, then cozy mysteries could be the ticket. "Many have a humorous edge to them," says Byron. "And justice is always served, which is often not the case with darker mystery genres like suspense and noir. I've yet to read a cozy where a killer got away with it!"

The gentle tension of cozy mysteries makes them ideal if you're looking to relax. They're absorbing and easy to read without the stressful high stakes and graphic content of more traditional thrillers. If you're looking to unwind on vacation or browsing for the best beach reads for your summer 2025 reading list, then this fun genre is probably perfect.

While the genre sometimes gets overlooked for being unserious, that's a feature, not a bug, according to Byron. Cozy mysteries might be lighter fare than the latest Pulitzer Prize winner or a classic novel by Leo Tolstoy, but these fun, frothy novels have their place. 

"People sometimes dismissively label the genre as 'escapist' or a 'beach read,'" Byron exclusively tells Women. "I consider that a compliment, not an insult. I joke that one of my books can get you from LAX to JFK. I think cozies are perfect fare for summer and vacation. I am proud to consider myself a 'beach read!'" Bonus? Reaching for a few easy-to-read books is a good way to read more books in general.

Are you mad for sudoku? Does a crossword sound like your idea of a good time? Then there's a good chance you'll enjoy the cozy mystery genre. "Cozies and traditional mysteries are about what happened, suspense is about what's happening, and thrillers are about what might happen," says Byron. In other words, they gain their momentum from unraveling a particular turn of events and assembling the evidence into a logical narrative. "Cozies are about solving a puzzle on some level," Byron adds.

That's why they're likely to appeal to anyone who enjoys puzzles as a hobby. The plot is essentially a logic teaser, albeit one that's presented in narrative form. Unlike a thriller, it isn't high-stakes or stressful tension driving a reader forward through the story. Instead, the narrative is propelled by curiosity and an enthusiasm for problem-solving. These books also lack the graphic violence or disturbing content that's often associated with thrillers. Think more "Nancy Drew" and less "True Detective." If you're looking for something with a bit more edge, check out the best thriller and mystery picks from Reese Witherspoon's Book Club.

With cozy mysteries, it's less about the crime at the center of the plot and more about the comforting vibes. "Cozies aren't for readers who gravitate towards dark, gritty mysteries like noir or suspense, or thrillers with heart-stopping, propulsive action," explains Byron. "They are for readers who like to immerse themselves in an appealing setting that's populated with characters they can envision as their friend group in real life." If you've ever fantasized about living in a charming small town like Stars Hollow from "Gilmore Girls," then a cozy mystery novel could be the next best thing.

Yes, there's murder, but cozy mysteries are usually set in idyllic locales populated with quirky characters. Small-town vibes and a comforting sense of community are key to the genre's appeal. Byron recommends these whodunits to anyone who loves romantic comedies or the light-hearted mystery of "Knives Out" or "Only Murders in the Building." "Most take place in bucolic settings like small towns or villages," says Byron. "There are exceptions, of course ... But even urban cozies have a sense of community and an appealing environment."

If you're eager to dive into the cozy mystery world but not sure where to begin, Byron has some advice. "The best place to start is a website called The Cozy Mystery List," Byron exclusively tells Women.com. "It's a priceless resource because it lists cozies in a variety of ways, like by theme, author, new releases, holidays, etc. Interested in a cozy series that revolves around candle making? You'll find one on this website." 

As the genre grows in popularity, more cozies are appearing in book club lineups. If you're near a local club focused on cozies, fantastic. If not, there are plenty of online options. Byron specifically recommends following Chicks on the Case, a blog published by cozy mystery authors that features humorous posts about writing, as well as up-to-date information about the latest releases 

Byron adds that Facebook groups like Cozies, Conversations, and More, along with Cozy Mystery Party can be great spaces to discover new authors and participate in themed events. "When you do find a cozy author you like, there are benefits to signing up for their Newsletter," she adds. Byron's own newsletter drops monthly, and features updates about her latest work, along with personal anecdotes, recipes, puzzles, and exclusive giveaways. "I'm so grateful for my subscribers that I'm constantly hosting giveaways I only share with them. I've given away books, swag, even jewelry."