Halloween is a special time of the year when the air gets crisp, leaves crunch underfoot, and the nights grow longer. It’s the perfect season to curl up with a good book that combines the cozy warmth of a mystery with a touch of Halloween spookiness. Cozy mysteries are a delightful genre where the thrill of solving a mystery meets charming settings and endearing characters, all without the gore and horror often found in other Halloween tales. In this post, I want to share a list of the best Halloween cozy mystery books on the market today.
Best Halloween Cozy Mystery Books
Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition by Kathi Daley – This book kicks off the Zoe Donovan Mystery Series, which is beloved for its lovable characters and engaging plots. In this story, Zoe Donovan, an animal lover and party planner, finds herself in the middle of a Halloween mystery when her best friend is accused of murder. The Halloween festivities and the small-town ambiance make it a perfect light read for the season.
Bedeviled Eggs (A Cackleberry Club Mystery) by Laura Childs. This is a favorite of my mother’s. She also adores her Tea Shop mysteries.
The Diva Haunts a House (A Domestic Diva Mystery) by Krista Davis. As I mentioned before, she is a favorite of mine. Krista Davis has a knack for catching the mood of the season.
Lord of the Wings (A Meg Langslow Mystery) by Donna Andrews. I will be talking about her books at great length when we get to Christmas mysteries which are– hands down– my favorite Christmas mysteries.
A Deadly Brew (Tourist Trap Mystery) by Lynn Cahoon. This is a novella but a fun addition to the series.
Ghastly Glass (Renaissance Faire Mystery) by Joyce and Jim Lavene. This series is a chance to live in the world of a medieval theme park. It’s a wonderful seasonal story but start the series with Wicked Weaves.
Caught Dead Handed (A Witch City Mystery) by Carol J Perry. Salem and a real psychic hired to be a fake psychic on a local TV channel.
Spooky Sweet: Samantha Sweet Mysteries by Connie Shelton. Samantha Sweet is getting ready for Halloween and overwhelmed even before the murder.
The Pumpkin Thief: A Small Town Halloween Mystery (Chloe Boston Cozy Mysteries Book 2)
by Melanie Jackson – This is the second book in the Chloe Boston Meter Maid Cozy Mysteries. Chloe Boston, meter maid and unofficial sleuth of the Hope Falls Police Department, is on the trail of the Halloween Killer and a second troublesome criminal, the Pumpkin Thief, who has robbed every pumpkin patch in town. Aided by her dog, Blue, and new boyfriend, Alex, Chloe is closing in on Hope Falls public enemies 1 and 2.
Candy Corn Murder by Leslie Meier – Part of the Lucy Stone Mystery Series, this novel takes you to the charming town of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, where Lucy Stone is busy planning the annual Halloween festival. However, the festive spirit is dampened when a giant pumpkin farmer is found murdered. With its Halloween-themed backdrop and a gripping plot, this book blends cozy mystery elements with the excitement of a seasonal celebration.
The Legend of Sleepy Harlow by Kylie Logan – Set against the backdrop of a Halloween retreat, this novel follows League of Literary Ladies member Bea Cartwright. The story unfolds on South Bass Island, where the arrival of a mysterious guest dressed as the legendary headless horseman starts a chain of eerie events. The blend of literary references and Halloween lore makes this a captivating read.
Best Halloween Cozy Mystery Books Continued…
The Great Pumpkin Caper: A Small Town Halloween Mystery (Chloe Boston Cozy Mysteries Book 10)
by Melanie Jackson – It’s Halloween and this year Chloe is certain she’ll win the pumpkin carving contest, but the night before the competition someone uses Mr. Jackman’s giant pumpkin to squash an unpopular dentist. This is publicity the town doesn’t need. Can Chloe solve the pumpkin caper and save Halloween?
A Catered Costume Party by Isis Crawford – When sisters Bernie and Libby Simmons agree to cater a Halloween party in a haunted house, they never expect to find a real body in the haunted library. The sisters must use their culinary skills and detective instincts to solve the murder. This book is a great mix of humor, mystery, and Halloween festivities.
If You’ve Got It, Haunt It by Rose Pressey – This book is part of the Haunted Vintage Mystery Series, where vintage clothing shop owner Cookie Chanel winds up seeing ghosts. When a ghost of a flapper starts appearing to her with clues, Cookie finds herself trying to solve a decades-old murder mystery. The Halloween setting adds a perfect spooky touch to the ghostly mystery.
Landscape in Scarlet (Miss Henry Mysteries) by Melanie Jackson. White Oaks Autumn Art Festival and Wine Tasting goes from average to horrifying when someone kills the Grim Reaper.
Well, that was it. My list of the best Halloween cozy mystery books. These books are excellent for anyone who enjoys a good mystery without the scare factor, making them suitable for younger readers or those who prefer their Halloween treats to be more sweet than scary. Each story is packed with intrigue, fun, and a dash of Halloween magic, making them ideal for a cozy night in during the chilly autumn months. Whether you’re looking for a light-hearted romp through a Halloween festival or a ghostly mystery with a vintage twist, these cozy mysteries provide the perfect entertainment for the Halloween season. So, grab your favorite blanket, a hot cup of apple cider, and dive into these delightful Halloween cozy mysteries.
Don’t miss my blog post Best Cozy Paranormal Mystery Series List.
–Melanie
