25 Holiday Cozy Mystery Books That’ll Keep You Guessing (and Smiling) All Winter

In case it’s not obvious from my other posts on the blog, I’m a big mood reader. 

And by mood reader, I mean that while I have certain favorite genres, I usually just read whatever feels right at the moment. 

That’s why it’s honestly a little hard for me to stick to book clubs or reading challenges. 

If I’m not in the right mood for a book, it’s just not going to hit. 

In fact, I’ve read some books before – because they were compulsory for one reason or the other – and absolutely hated them. 

Then, months (or even years) later, when I picked them up at the right moment, I ended up loving them. I’ll probably write a full post about that one of these days.

Anyway, one thing I love reading whenever the holidays roll around is cozy mysteries. 

And if you’re wondering what exactly a cozy mystery is, it’s basically a mystery story, but much lighter in tone. 

Sure, there’s usually a murder or some other crime at the center, but instead of being dark and gritty like most thrillers, cozy mysteries tend to feel more comforting and cozy. 

Think amateur sleuths, small towns, and just the right touch of suspense.

If you’re like me and love cozy mystery books during the holidays, you’re going to want to check out this list.

Also, you should know that many cozy mysteries come as part of a series. So, if you fall in love with the first book, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy the rest of the series too.

Candy Cane Murder by Joanna Fluke

If you love holiday cozy mystery books packed with festive vibes, Candy Cane Murder is for you.

This charming collection has three cozy Christmas mysteries that I personally found super fun to read. I loved how each story felt like a Christmas movie but with a surprising murder.

Joanne Fluke’s story, where candy canes lead to a body in a Santa suit, was my favorite. There are also stories from Laura Levine and Leslie Meier that made me feel like a detective sipping hot cocoa. 

I especially liked how the recipes included felt like bonus gifts. 

If you’re looking for cozy murder mysteries set during the holidays, this book wraps up suspense and sweetness perfectly.

I’ll be rereading this during December for sure – it just feels like Christmas.

Ho-Ho-Homicide by Kaitlyn Dunnett

This festive holiday cozy mystery book totally surprised me. I love mysteries set in small snowy towns, and Ho-Ho-Homicide ticked all my boxes. 

It follows Liss, who visits a Christmas tree farm hoping for a peaceful break, but instead finds murder hiding between the trees. 

I really liked  how the farm itself felt like a character in the story, full of hidden secrets and suspicious neighbors. The maze of trees honestly creeped me out in the best way. 

If you’re into Christmas cozy mystery books with a bit of small-town suspense, this book’s perfect for you. I kept turning pages late into the night. 

It’s the kind of cozy mystery that feels both festive and eerie, and that is exactly how I love my holiday books.

Four Leaf Felony by Tonya Kappes

Four Leaf Felony made me smile so much, even while reading about a murder on a plane. 

Violet Rhinehammer, who I totally found relatable, stumbles across a body mid-flight (talk about bad timing). 

Stranded in the festive town of Holiday Junction, she uses her reporter skills to solve the mystery. 

I loved the blend of humor, small-town charm, and a determined heroine chasing both a murderer and her dreams. 

If you enjoy lighthearted Christmas cozy mysteries with a sprinkle of adventure, you’ll adore this one. I honestly couldn’t stop rooting for Violet. 

And, I liked that it felt like a holiday-themed whodunit and a feel-good story rolled into one. Super fun and a perfect cozy mystery for Christmas. 

The Nightingale Before Christmas by Donna Andrews

I loved how this cozy and festive book combined decorating drama with a clever holiday cozy mystery. 

Meg Langslow is helping her mother with a Christmas show house, but soon, decorations aren’t the only things falling apart – a designer turns up dead.

I really enjoyed the humorous tone, and honestly, I couldn’t help but laugh at all the wild personalities Meg has to manage. 

If you like cozy Christmas murder mysteries with quirky characters and small-town drama, this book’s a holiday treat. 

Donna Andrews adds so much humor, and I always appreciate a mystery that keeps me guessing but makes me laugh too. 

I think this story really captures the holiday spirit, even with a murder or two along the way. 

Lady Cavendish’s Christmas Caper by Camille Cabrera

Lady Cavendish’s Christmas Caper follows Charlie (not Charlotte – she hates that), who needs to solve an art mystery to claim her inheritance before next Christmas. 

I loved how the cozy English village felt like a warm hug, especially with all the little festive details. 

The mystery was light but exciting, and I really liked the wager she made that led to a castle Christmas party.

If you’re looking for a gentle Christmas British cozy mystery that feels like a fairy tale mixed with a cozy whodunit, this book is perfect. I’ll admit I wished I could explore the town myself.

Holiday cozy mysteries like this one are great when you want mystery without too much darkness – just festive charm and a clever heroine.

Christmas Carol Murder by Leslie Meier

I liked how Lucy Stone, who’s just trying to enjoy Christmas and star in A Christmas Carol, suddenly finds herself solving a mystery when a local miser is found dead. 

What stood out to me was how real the story felt, with people struggling financially but still trying to find holiday joy. 

I loved Lucy’s determination to solve the crime and protect her community. 

If you love small-town holiday cozy mystery books, this one’s a perfect December read. 

Leslie Meier’s stories always feel so comforting, even with a murder mystery happening. 

Reading this made me want to curl up with cocoa and enjoy more festive whodunits like this one.

Trimmed With Murder by Sally Goldenbaum

I really enjoyed the cozy feel of Trimmed With Murder. It’s a sweet holiday cozy mystery book full of knitting, family, and friendship, with a mystery at its heart. 

I liked how Izzy and her friends come together to solve the case when her brother becomes a suspect after a local woman is found dead. 

The seaside town setting made it feel extra cozy, and all the knitting details felt so relaxing.

It’s a gentle mystery perfect for the holidays, especially if you like small-town settings where everyone knows each other. 

The tree-trimming contest and festive vibes made me wish I was there helping with decorations. 

If you’re searching for Christmas murder mystery books that feel like a warm hug, you’ll enjoy this one just like I did.

Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany

What’s more festive than a town called Rudolph? Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen was such a fun holiday cozy mystery book.

I loved following Merry Wilkinson, who’s super relatable as she balances running her shop and solving a murder. 

It felt like a Christmas wonderland, but with a unique angle – someone is sabotaging decorations and even poisoned a reporter.

I liked how the mystery unfolded slowly, giving me time to enjoy the holiday charm of Rudolph, New York. The gingerbread cookie clue was such a fun touch too. 

If you’re a fan of cozy Christmas mysteries with small-town drama and sweet shops, this is a perfect read.

I loved every cozy minute of it. Honestly, I think Rudolph might be my dream holiday town (minus the murder, of course).

A Christmas Tartan by Paige Shelton

If you love cozy mysteries set in bookshops, A Christmas Tartan will totally win your heart.

I really loved how this holiday cozy mystery book brought together Scottish charm, a missing girl mystery, and cozy bookshop vibes. 

Delaney, working in Edinburgh’s Cracked Spine, finds clues in a box of old items, including a photo hidden inside a worn copy of A Christmas Carol. 

I thought that was such a clever plot twist. The mix of bookish mystery and festive setting felt so warm and comforting. 

It made me wish I was exploring Edinburgh’s streets, snow falling, solving clues alongside Delaney. 

If you want a Christmas mystery that’s gentle yet gripping, this one’s for you. 

It’s perfect for fans of cozy holiday mysteries with bookshops, snow, and a little Scottish adventure.

Lowcountry Boughs of Holly by Susan M. Boyer

I found Lowcountry Boughs of Holly so different from most holiday cozy mystery books, and that’s why I loved it.

Set in the South, it mixes festive charm with an intriguing murder mystery. 

Liz Talbot and her husband Nate find Santa dead in a boat.

And I liked most how Liz, balancing personal struggles and festive chaos, still pushed forward to solve the mystery. 

There’s family drama, secrets, and Southern charm everywhere. 

If you’re in the mood for Christmas murder mystery books that feel both heartwarming and thrilling, this is a great choice. 

I loved the blend of family warmth and holiday suspense – it kept me turning pages. Spending Christmas in the Lowcountry through this book felt like a little holiday escape for me.

I’ve read (and loved) every single cozy mystery on this list, so definitely let me know in the comments which ones you’re planning to check out.

And if you have a favorite holiday cozy mystery series – especially one that you think is super underrated and people aren’t talking about enough – please share it with me in the comment section. I’m always looking for new cozy reads to add to my list.