As most of you already know, my favourite genre is Paranormal Romance – I’ve already written numerous post explaining why. 😉 But did you know I also enjoy cosy paranormal mystery stories too?
What is Cosy Paranormal Mystery?
Wikipedia describes cosy (cozy in the USA) mysteries as:
“Cozy mysteries, also referred to as “cozies“, are a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence occur off stage, the detective is an amateur sleuth, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community.
Cozies thus stand in contrast to hardboiled fiction, which features violence and sexuality more explicitly and centrally to the plot. The term “cozy” was first coined in the late 20th century when various writers produced work in an attempt to re-create the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.“
While I don’t shy away from explicit violence or sex, the stories in cozies seem to appeal to my menopausal sensibilities that are prevalent at the moment. 😘
I have an inquisitive nature, so the premise of an amateur wanting to solve a mystery is very appealing. My Miss Marple tendencies revel in the challenge of working everything out before the protagonist.
Challenge being the key word.
I want to read mysteries that contain enough clues without being obvious. Red herrings, misdirection and plot twists are a must, however nothing should feel convoluted.
Our amateur sleuth should also exhibit the personality traits I’ve spoken about in my PNR and urban fantasy reviews. I need intelligence, be it academic, streetwise or common sense. Our sleuth should be resilient, resourceful and not rely on others to “save” them. And finally, I love characters who have oodles of gumption.
I wanted to create a little space on my blog to share this cosy genre with you.
Not every book marketed as cozy paranormal mystery has hit the mark. Some have filled me with disappointment, failing to deliver any of the aspects mentioned above. However, there are many authors out there writing the stories that tick all of my boxes. You’ll find every story here; the hits, this misses and the mehs.
💖 Cozy Paranormal Mystery 💖
My Reviews:
- Grimoires and Gingerbread: A Sugar Shack Witch Mystery Christmas Novella (Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1) by Danielle Garrett
- The Ghost of Christmas Past (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #8.5) by Angie Fox
- Amanda Cadabra and The Hidden Depths (The Amanda Cadabra Cozy Paranormal Mysteries #5) by Holly Bell
- Grave Secrets (The Lavington Windsor Mysteries #1) by Alice James
- Wrong Side of Forty (Marina at Midlife #1) by Jana DeLeon
- A Little Night Magic (Standalone Anthologies,) by Angie Fox
- Ghost of a Chance (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #2.5) by Angie Fox
- A Ghostly Gift (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #1.5) by Angie Fox
- Miss Frost Solves a Cold Case (Jayne Frost #1) by Kristen Painter
- Amanda Cadabra and The Rise of Sunken Madley (The Amanda Cadabra Cozy Paranormal Mysteries #4) by Holly Bell
- A Grave Death (Independent Necromancers' Bureau #1) by Victoria DeLuis
- Amanda Cadabra and The Flawless Plan (The Amanda Cadabra Cozy Paranormal Mysteries #3) by Holly Bell
- The Mint Julep Murders (Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery #8) by Angie Fox
- Pecan Pies and Dead Guys (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #7) by Angie Fox
- Unbroken (Rune Witch Mysteries #4) by Victoria DeLuis
- Murder on the Sugarland Express (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #6) by Angie Fox
- Sweet Tea and Spirits (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #5) by Angie Fox
- Amanda Cadabra and The Cellar of Secrets (The Amanda Cadabra Cozy Paranormal Mysteries #2) by Holly Bell
- One Tequila (Althea Rose Mystery #1) by Tricia O'Malley
- Deader Homes and Gardens (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #4) by Angie Fox
- Amanda Cadabra and The Hidey-Hole Truth (Amanda Cadabra Cozy Paranormal Mysteries #1) by Holly Bell
- The Haunted Heist (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #3) by Angie Fox
- Forgotten (Rune Witch Mysteries #3) by Victoria DeLuis
- Devious Magic (Relic Guardians #0.5) by Victoria DeLuis, Meg Cowley
- The Skeleton in the Closet (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #2) by Angie Fox
- Hidden (Rune Witch Mysteries #2) by Victoria DeLuis
- Taken (Rune Witch Mysteries #1) by Victoria DeLuis
- Southern Spirits (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #1) by Angie Fox
- The Library (American Haunts) by Carmen DeSousa
Have you read any of these mystery stories? Am I missing one? Drop a comment below.
Many of the authors listed above have also found their way onto my auto-buy list. Before you go, check out my favourite authors’ page and see who else is listed.
Bye for now,
Flora x
(Page last updated on Saturday 6th March 2021)