For Readers

Mystery Novels To Cozy Up and Read

By: Hidden Gems on December 13, 2022

Hidden Gems Books ARC service.

By: Hidden Gems on December 13, 2022

Facebooktwitterpinterestinstagram

One of the most amazing things about the mystery genre is that there truly is something for everyone. No matter which side of the spectrum you prefer, we can all agree that page-turning intrigue is a must. So, if the weather has you ready to cozy up with a good mystery, this list is for you. We’ve got one for everybody on this round-up of recently top rated mystery novels that our Hidden Gems ARC readers raved about.


The Killing Woods

The Killing Woods by Linda Berry

With 490+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, The Killing Woods is one that should be on your TBR list. Formerly published as Girl With the Origami Butterfly, this title follows Sidney Becker as she begins her tenure as the police chief in her sleepy hometown, only for a brutal murder to send her on a race to apprehend the killer.

Diana U. writes in her five star Amazon review, “…I really enjoyed it! The characters were interesting. I really thought I had solved the mystery and was delighted to be surprised when the real killer was revealed (not someone I expected!). It was nice to read a book about a female police chief instead of a rough edged male with a drinking problem…I will definitely be reading the next book in the series!”

“This is an amazing story, very well written,” Bets agrees in their five star Amazon review. “I could not put this book down. The cast of characters is intriguing…Ms. Berry wrote a wonderful suspenseful thriller – the characters are well developed and the dialog was real…I’m highly recommending this book – you will not be disappointed. Can’t wait for the next!”

That's the Spirit!

That’s the Spirit! by Mallory Pierce

With 60+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, That’s the Spirit! is a paranormal cozy mystery about an unlikely duo of investigators. In this tale you’ll get to know Nolan, a writer looking for inspiration, who finds a partner in the ghost of Gwendolyn Fink.

“…This book was a tremendous amount of fun,” Laurie writes in her five star Amazon review raves. “In some ways, it reminded me of Castle but with a ghostly twist. The murder investigation kept me guessing right up until the final reveal, and I loved the witty dialogue and Gwendolyn’s observations on modern life…”

Susan S. concurs in her five star Amazon review, “Oh my goodness! This was such a fun book to read! I immediately fell in love with Gwendolyn Frink, the resident ghost trapped in her old home. Gwen is a hoot, I love her sense of humor and intelligence…Lovers of romcoms, cozies, and light paranormal will fall in love with these characters and this series.”

Doodled to Death

Doodled to Death by C.B. Wilson

With 70+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, Doodled to Death is book four of the five book Barkview Mysteries series. Described as a “regular cat’s cradle of crime,” G-Paw, a crime-solving goldendoodle, once again is sure to capture reader’s hearts in this tale of humor and intrigue.

Sally H. writes in her five star Amazon review, “…A quirky cast of characters and suspects and a precocious pup will keep you entertained and intrigued. This cleverly plotted cozy mystery will keep you guessing right up to the end.”

Doodled to Death was a delightful cozy mystery read,” Cate agrees in her five star Amazon review. “It was my first time reading a book from this series but I wasn’t lost…Lovable characters – both human and canine – made it a delight. I recommend it for entertaining, light reading…”

Kittens, Cupcakes, and Complications

Kittens, Cupcakes, and Complications by Amity Allen

With 25+ ratings, a 4.2 star average, a dog wedding, and murder, Kittens, Cupcakes, and Complications is a must-read. This is the second and final installment in the Magical Kitten Cozy Mysteries series, but you do not need to read the first book to enjoy this tale.

Alice H. describes in her five star Amazon review, “When Kelsey inherits a farm, she decides to turn it into a site for weddings. But hosting a dog wedding is a very different venture! This book is packed with strange things happening, a quintet of accidentally magic kittens, and more twists and turns than you can imagine! The main characters are quirky and fun, the kittens add lots of mischief and fun, and the bad guys, when discovered, are very bad. A fun and interesting read…”

Kittens, Cupcakes and Complications is a most enjoyable cozy murder mystery,” Elizabeth writes in her five star Amazon review. “All the heart tugs are there! Romance, murder, magic, dogs and cats all mixed in a good, comfortable rainy day read…”

Spirit Daughters

Spirit Daughters by Carol Potenza

With 15+ ratings and a 4.7 star average, Spirit Daughters is a hidden gem to add to your TBR list. Set in New Mexico, this tale follows Nicky Matthews as she investigates a murder which has unexpected familial ties.

Suanne describes in her five star Goodreads review, “…Potenza’s love for the New Mexico landscape comes through clearly. Additionally, she has a strong female protagonist in Nicky Matthews who is an officer in the police department of the Fire-Sky people. Though not a native, she is trusted by the people she serves. Nicky is estranged from her parents, both world-class archeologists. Her father has since died, but her parents’ research lead her into investigating tribal fertility rites and medicinals. Her mother unexpectedly pops back into Nicky’s life resulting in the unraveling of many of Nicky’s innermost demons…”

Intriga raves in her five star Amazon review, “…An exciting thriller, a nicely written plot and characters.”


Hidden Gems readers got to read these mind-boggling and cozy mystery stories first, so if you want more secrets to unravel or clues to seek, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. Sign up for as many or as few as you have time and interest for, we’ll keep the eBooks flowing as long as you want to keep on reading and reviewing!

Share this blog

Facebooktwitterpinterestmail

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1 Comments

  • Pingback: رمان های معمایی برای استراحت و خواندن - b-agar