Cozy Mystery best lists Archives - PJ SKINNER | Mystery, Crime and Adventure Author

There’s something deeply comforting about a Christmas cosy mystery. A quirky cast dealing with piles of tinsel and family rumblings set in a village (or seaside town) dusted with snow — and, of course, a murder or two interrupting the festive cheer.

British cosy crime does Christmas particularly well, with the festive season adding an extra layer of tension as old grudges resurface, families are forced together, and secrets rustle among the wrapping paper.

If you’re looking for festive crime fiction with charm, wit, and a distinctly British flavour, here are ten Christmas cosy mysteries well worth making room for on your winter reading pile.

1. Purrfect Crime – PJ Skinner

Christmas in Seacastle should be a quiet affair — but when a murder intrudes on the festive season, vintage shop owner Tanya Bowe finds herself trapped between goodwill and wrongdoing. With seaside winter storms, tangled relationships, and a distinctly malevolent rescue cat, this is a Christmas cosy with found family, banter, and just enough bite to keep things interesting.

2. A Body at the Christmas Fair – Helen Cox

A traditional village Christmas fair provides the perfect backdrop for rivalries, resentments, and a carefully timed murder. Helen Cox excels at blending festive charm with sharp observation, making this a satisfying seasonal read for classic cosy fans.

3. A Cornish Christmas Murder – Fiona Leitch

Set against Cornwall’s dramatic winter coast, this festive mystery offers all the pleasures of the genre: close-knit communities, long memories, and secrets that refuse to stay hidden. Ideal for readers who enjoy a strong sense of place alongside their Christmas crime.

4. Murder in the Manger – Debbie Young

A Christmas-set mystery with a more traditional investigative feel, this novel balances festive detail with a thoughtful, character-driven plot. Perfect for readers who prefer restraint and subtlety over theatrics. This story is very light, and well-written, with quirky characters. Plenty of small details which make up real life.

5. Murder Under the Mistletoe – Richard Coles

Readers find this Christmas novella enjoyable and entertaining, with a lighthearted mystery. They appreciate the interesting characters, humour, and cosy atmosphere, highlighting the amusing social commentary on Christmas gatherings.

6. A Corpse for Christmas – Emily Queen

A 1920s Murder mystery set in London. A well-crafted mystery, with well-drawn characters and plenty of family dynamics.

7. The Christmas Market Murder – Peter Boland

The new Christmas market seems the perfect tonic: fairy lights in the pines, the scent of cinnamon on the air, and mugs of steaming mulled wine. Until a body turns up…..

8. Gavels, Tinsel and Murder – Victoria Tait

Lots of intrigue, a murder, a scam and forgery – so much to get your head around – definitely a page turner. It takes place in the lead up to Christmas and is set in the Cotswolds

9. Happy Bloody Christmas – Jo Middleton

A unique plot and well-crafted writing, a light-hearted romp that’s easy to read. The book features wonderful characters and relatable family dynamics, mixing humor with murder to a new level.

10. The Mystery of Mistletoe Hall – Benedict Brown

Thoroughly entertaining, with a quirky plot that keeps readers guessing until the end. The story features an enchanting storyline and well-developed characters, while maintaining a humorous tone throughout.

I hope you will enjoy some of these great cosies for Christmas.

Sending you wishes for a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Seaside charm: Every series features village life by the sea
Cozy vibes: Lighthearted, character-driven mysteries with minimal violence, plenty of humor, and a strong sense of place.
Variety of eras: From 1940s nostalgia (Seaside Murders) to modern foodie and festive mysteries (Nosey Parker, Doris Cudlow).

Nosey Parker Mysteries by Fiona Leitch – Set in the fictional Cornish village of Penstowan, ex-Met officer Jodie “Nosey” Parker runs a catering business while solving murders – often with a side of tried-and-tested recipes and her feisty Pomeranian, Germaine.

Seacastle Mysteries by PJ Skinner – the series centres on Tanya Bowe, a vintage shop owner and former investigative journalist, whose knack for stumbling over dead bodies annoys her ex-husband, DI George Carter – a by-the-book copper who’s less than thrilled by her involvement, even if her insights prove annoyingly accurate.

The Doris Cudlow Mysteries by N.C. Lewis – Doris Cudlow, a London reporter turned seaside resident, gets entangled in comedic coastal whodunnits involving murder, mischievous cats, and eccentric locals – four books to date.

The Seaside Murders (Secret Detective Agency) by Helena Dixon – Set in 1941 England, amateur sleuth Jane Treen returns to her seaside hometown to solve a body-on-the-beach mystery – sharp period detail, light nostalgia included.

Fethering Mysteries by Simon Brett – In the fictional coastal village of Fethering, retirees Carole and Jude stumble upon murders – The Body on the Beach kicks off this witty, quietly charming series.

A 1960s-set Cornish spin-off from the Daisy Dalrymple books, featuring Mrs Trewynn and her niece solving village crimes with period flair.

A Londoner relocates to a Cornish village with her gossip-loving corgi – expect cosy village life, light romance, and amateur sleuthing wrapped in coastal charm.

The Olivia Wells eco-friendly mysteries set in creekside Cornwall. Cornish cosy crime with a green twist. Her books include ‘green’ characters, ideas and solutions set against the back drop of a traditional murder mystery.

The “Isle of Wight Killings” is a cozy mystery series by Mary Grand featuring amateur sleuth Susan, who finds herself embroiled in solving murders on the idyllic Isle of Wight. The series blends elements of cozy mysteries with the unique setting of the island, focusing on community, friendships, and the darker undercurrents of seemingly peaceful village life

Jemima Jago Mysteries by Emma Jameson – On a Cornish island, librarian-turned-sleuth Jemima investigates local secrets and curious deaths. The series kicks off with A Death at Seascape House and continues with A Death at Bay View Hotel.