The Top Ten Cozies of 2023
As chosen by CozyMystery.com and our contributors
It’s hard to create a Top Ten list when you have so many choices.
For more than a decade we’ve seen growth in the list of cozy mysteries. Every single year our database shows more cozies than the previous year. That growth is wonderful for the genre.
But when you have more than 4,000 cozies released in a year, how do you choose a top ten?
We began with Amazon ratings and review counts.
There is a bias in the number of reviews, because more popular authors will naturally have more reviews.
Ratings are a little different though, because people seem to be honest, rather than just giving their favorite authors a 5.
In fact, we find that overall 5 ratings are generally limited to books with very few reviews (like if an author’s mom is the only reviewer, you can bet it will be a 5!).
So, we tend to remove books from contention if they are a 5, or only have a few reviews. This is naturally not fair to the small indie author who doesn’t have a lot of fans though.
We try to balance it, and perhaps a first book list would work to help indie authors too. We’ve done that before and we might do it again soon.
Our list is naturally subjective though. Even if you cull thousands of books, you’re still left with a lot of choices. We ask a few friends of the site to weigh in, and between us we come up with a Top Ten.
We have to say though, this list is what we chose for this article. If we were deciding this next week or next month, we might come up with a completely different list. Like I said, subjective.
Still, we think you’ll enjoy these books. At the very least they’re worth reading.
This list is not ranked in any way other than alphabetical. There is no number one, two, three, etc.
So, without further ado…
The Top Ten Cozy Mysteries of 2023
A Deadly Drive-By, Book 5 of the Haunting Avery Winters Mysteries by Dionne Lister
Paranormal can be fun, or it can be spooky. If you’ve seen the show Ghosts (the UK version is better, but the US one is good too), you’ll get the idea of this series. Struck by lightning, the star can now talk to ghosts, who want her to solve their murders. Fun, light-hearted, some of the best writing in the paranormal scene right now.
A Fire at the Exhibition, Book 10 of the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by T. E. Kinsey
Historical mysteries are often interesting, if they can get you to the place and time they intend. This series does it well, as you really are thinking of a time a hundred years ago. Drop in a lady and her maid and you’re well on the way to some fun sleuthing!
The Gastrothief, Book 14 of Albert Smith’s Culinary Capers by Steve Higgs
A dog on the cover is guaranteed to draw attention, and Rex is always there for us. This series has been fun from the beginning, and a quick jaunt to a remote part of Wales continues the adventures. Honestly, the only thing stopping me enjoying it more is how much weight I’d gain with all the food in these stories!
The Harbour Lights Mystery, Book 2 of the Shell House Detective Mysteries by Emylia Hall
Another book which is filled with cozy references, these are perfect for reading at the beach, even if the author can’t spell harbor properly (I kid, just a little jab at the Brits for the extra letters in their words). You really do get a feel for being in a particular setting, which is not always the case.
Hidden Beneath, Book 11 of the Maine Clambake Mysteries by Barbara Ross
Generally, cold cases don’t necessarily count as cozy mysteries. They’re old, after all, and not much is happening in the present day. Of course sometimes, like in this case, there’s a mix between the past and present which enlivens the action. Throw in a clambake, and you’ve got all the ingredients necessary for a good story (see what I did there?)
The Last Devil to Die, Book 4 of the Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
A series which spawned a thousand imitators, and just as many cover designs. These stories are the best you can find, which speaks to their popularity. I honestly think the Thursday Murder Club might be my favorite cozy mysteries of all time.
Rivers and Creaks, Book 1 of the Redwoods Country Mysteries by Marc Jedel
Okay, so we have a book 1 after all. I’m a big fan of Schitt’s Creek, and I definitely get that vibe from this book. An interesting start to a series and a fun way to enjoy being out in the middle of the woods.
Paper Cuts, Book 6 of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mysteries by Ellery Adams
One of the most famous names in cozy mysteries continues to delight us, book after book. Frankly this is the epitome of a cozy, all the main ingredients thrown in, and if I was to read one series it might be these. I don’t know you could get much cozier than this.
Six Across is Murder, Book 6 of the Crossword Puzzle Mysteries by Louise Foster
I’m going to admit that this series breaks one of our rules, since the protagonist is a private investigator. The thing is, you don’t really feel she is when you’re reading. I know that doesn’t make sense, but it’s the edge cases which make things interesting. Is she a PI or is she an amateur? There’s a little of both, and a great read to go along with it.
Tea Die For, Book 9 of the Magical Tea Room Mysteries by Erin Johnson
Is there a difference between paranormal and supernatural? I suppose so, but I don’t know what it is other than that I like it. In this case we’ve got a writer’s retreat in action, which is fun in itself, but add in all the drama of a murder and you’re talking cozy.