Top Cozy Mystery Titles in 2026

Top Titles

There are a number of sources you can use to check the sales data for cozy mysteries. One way is to visit a bookstore and get your information by word-of-mouth. 

I visited one of my favorite bookstores this weekend to do just that, and came away with more than just good stories. 

CatTale’s Books & Gifts cattalesbooks.com is an enjoyable place to cruise and peruse the aisles for top new titles and backlisted beloveds. 

High demand COZY MYSTERY titles can vary regionally. 

If possible, I like to make stops at local bookstores whenever I travel. In Alexandria, Minnesota, I like Cherry Street Books or Viking Books. Then, there’s Ben Around Books, another outstanding choice.

If I’m in Downtown Brainerd, Minnesota, CatTale’s Books & Gifts is the best place to pop into for books, fun and new friends.

I love CatTale’s Books & Gifts for many reasons, including their creative ideas for incorporating cozy mystery books (and other genres) and movies as a part of our social structure. 

Fun CatTale’s Books & Gifts idea: They sell wrapped  books and movies, contents unknown, for gift-giving. 

A surprise date night, family night, or get-together, it’s all fair game for this type of gift. I’ve had positive experiences with this thoughtful,  clever format.

Top 2026 Cozy Mystery Titles (Jan-May 2026)

1. Mockingbird Court: A Shady Hollow Mystery by Juneau Black – A new installment in the beloved animal-populated, small-town cozy series.
2. A Perilous Plot by Berkley Publishing Group – A fast-paced mystery, highly rated for its charming, small-town setting.
   
   
3. Murder on the Marlow Belle (The Marlow Murder Club #4) by Robert Thorogood – A popular, lighthearted British mystery with clever, witty scenes.
   
   
4. Murder on the Page (A Literary Dining Mystery #1) – Features a caterer with literary-themed parties, perfect for bibliophiles.
   
   
5. Epilogue to a Christmas Murder by Lauren Elliott – A fun holiday-themed mystery packed with suspense and romance.
   
   
6. A Slay Ride Together with You – Highly anticipated winter-themed cozy with high stakes
   
   
7. The Haunted Widow (A Lin Coffin Mystery Book 23) – Part of a popular, long-running paranormal series on Amazon.
   
   
8. A Deadly Vintage (The Bramblecombe Cozy Mysteries Book 1) – New debut series focusing on wine-themed cozy sleuthing.
   
   
9. Lettuce Turn Over a Dead Leaf (Newfound Lake Cozy Mystery) – A humorous, food-focused mystery, a top trend for 2026.
   
   
10. Purr-colated Poison (Cozy Purrch Café #1) by Carly Winter – A café-based, pet-themed mystery, high on the new releases list.
    
    
11. Murder Under the Dogwood (Blue Hollow Cozy Mystery) – A quintessential, small-town, scenic mystery.
    
    
12. Cinnamon and the Cursed Catmint (Catmint #2) by Lishla Barron – A paranormal mystery with magical, lighthearted elements.
    
    
13. A Deadly Clue (Hunter and Clewe Book 3) by Victoria Gilbert – A highly anticipated, traditional, bookish cozy.
    
    
14. The Widows’ Guide to Foul Play (The Widows’ Detective Club Book 5) – A charmingly engaging, amateur sleuth mystery.
    
    
15. Swiped Right into Murder (Paranormal Realtor Book 7) – A clean, paranormal cozy mystery with a modern twist.
    
    
16. Nine Lives and a Deadly Secret (A Nine Lives Mystery Book 1) – New, fast-paced, pet-centric mystery.
    
    
17. A Lyrical Woman (Tabitha & Wolf #14) by Glenn J. Hill – Another installment in a successful mystery series.
    
    
18. Jammed with Secrets (Festival Mystery Book 1) by Selina Hill – A promising new series debut, perfect for foodie fans.
    
    
19. The Steep Secret: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Eerie Estes Mysteries) – A new paranormal cozy set in an antique-focused town.
    
    
20. Confections and Clues (The Pupcake Mystery Series) – A “Tiny Dog” cozy mystery focused on baking and friendship.