Love Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen Mysteries? Discover 13 deliciously cozy mystery book series filled with bakeries, cupcakes, cookies, chocolate, charming small towns, and, of course, murder!
There's something irresistible about a cozy mystery served with a side of something sweet. Maybe it's the comforting atmosphere of a neighborhood bakery, the promise of a freshly baked cookie, or the way a delicious dessert makes even the most suspicious murder investigation feel a little more inviting.
If you're a fan of Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen Mysteries, you already know exactly what we mean!
Hannah's adventures in Lake Eden, Minnesota, have given readers a wonderful combination of homemade cookies, small-town gossip, quirky characters, romance, and murder. Between running The Cookie Jar, caring for her beloved cat Moishe, and solving crimes that seem to follow her everywhere, Hannah has become one of the most recognizable amateur sleuths in cozy mystery fiction.
But what happens when you've finished your latest Hannah Swensen mystery and still have an appetite for more? (We’re still lamenting the Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Murder delays!)
Fortunately, Hannah isn't the only fictional baker who knows her way around a kitchen and a crime scene!
We've gathered 13 sweet cozy mystery book series for fans of Hannah Swensen, featuring everything from magical pies and gourmet cupcakes to doughnut shops, candy stores, charming cafés, and family-owned bakeries.
Whether you love Hannah's recipes, her friendships, her romantic complications, or her talent for uncovering secrets, there's something on this list to satisfy your cozy mystery cravings.
Let's dig in!
Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander
Cupcake Bakery Mysteries by Jenn McKinlay
Baker Street Mysteries by Valerie Burns (V. M. Burns)
Cookie House Mysteries by Eve Calder
Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah
French Bistro Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber
Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton
Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by Amanda Flower
Death by Chocolate Mysteries by Sarah Graves
Donut Shop Mysteries by Jessica Beck
Cat Cafe Mysteries by Cate Conte
Magical Bakery Mysteries by Bailey Cates
Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries by Ellery Adams
13. Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries by Ellery Adams
Start with: Pies and Prejudice
Books in the Series: 5
What could be better than a delicious homemade pie? How about one with a little magic baked inside?
The Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries introduce readers to Ella Mae LeFaye, who returns to her hometown of Havenwood, Georgia, and opens the Charmed Pie Shoppe. Ella Mae has an unusual talent: her emotions can influence her baking, giving her pies a magical quality.
Of course, opening a pie shop isn't the only complication in Ella Mae's life. There are family secrets, magical discoveries, and murders that need solving.
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
Like Hannah, Ella Mae finds herself balancing the demands of running a food business with the unexpected responsibilities of amateur detective work.
The series also offers plenty of family relationships, small-town personalities, and mouthwatering desserts.
The biggest difference? While Hannah relies on her instincts and investigative abilities, Ella Mae has a little supernatural assistance.
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
A charming Southern pie shop
Magical baking with a whimsical twist
Family secrets and complicated relationships
Small-town murder mysteries
If you've ever wished Hannah's cookies had magical powers, this might be the series for you!
12. Magical Bakery Mysteries by Bailey Cates
Start with: Brownies and Broomsticks
Books in the Series: 10
Welcome to Savannah, Georgia, where the baked goods are delicious, the atmosphere is charming, and a little witchcraft comes with the territory.
The Magical Bakery Mysteries follow Katie Lightfoot, who moves to Savannah to help her aunt and uncle operate the Honeybee Bakery.
Katie soon discovers that her family has a magical heritage and that her own baking abilities might be connected to something much more mysterious.
Unfortunately, she also discovers that Savannah has its share of murderers!
As Katie learns about her magical abilities, she becomes involved in solving crimes while managing the bakery and building a new life.
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
Katie and Hannah share a love of baking, strong family connections, and a tendency to become involved in investigations.
The Honeybee Bakery provides the same sort of welcoming gathering place that makes Hannah's Cookie Jar so appealing.
The addition of magic gives the series a different flavor, but the comforting atmosphere remains.
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
A bakery filled with magical treats
Savannah's Southern charm
Friendship, family, and romance
Paranormal mysteries with a cozy atmosphere
This is a wonderful choice for readers who love traditional baking mysteries but wouldn't mind a little witchcraft mixed into the batter.
11. Cat Cafe Mysteries by Cate Conte
Start with: Cat About Town
Books in the Series: 10
If one of your favorite things about Hannah Swensen is her relationship with Moishe, you might want to visit Daybreak Island, Massachusetts.
The Cat Cafe Mysteries follow Maddie James, who returns to her hometown and becomes involved in a murder investigation after befriending an orange tabby cat.
Her adventures eventually lead her to establish a cat café, creating a welcoming place for both people and felines.
Naturally, life on Daybreak Island isn't nearly as peaceful as it first appears.
Between local secrets, family relationships, suspicious neighbors, and unexpected deaths, Maddie has plenty to investigate.
And the cats certainly add to the fun!
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
Although this series focuses more on a cat café than on baking, it has many of the qualities that make Hannah Swensen's adventures so enjoyable.
Maddie is an independent woman establishing a business in a close-knit community, and her personal relationships are just as important to the stories as the mysteries.
Plus, there's the irresistible feline connection!
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
An adorable cat café
A charming New England island setting
Family, friendships, and local gossip
Plenty of feline personality
If Moishe is one of your favorite Hannah Swensen characters, this series deserves a place on your reading list.
10. Donut Shop Mysteries by Jessica Beck
Start with: Glazed Murder
Books in the Series: 58
There's something especially comforting about a cozy mystery set in a doughnut shop.
The Donut Shop Mysteries feature Suzanne Hart, the owner of Donut Hearts in April Springs, North Carolina.
Suzanne's days usually begin long before sunrise, when she's busy preparing fresh doughnuts for her customers.
But running a doughnut shop isn't her only talent.
When a murder disrupts her community, Suzanne proves surprisingly capable of investigating suspicious circumstances, questioning neighbors, and uncovering secrets.
And, like Hannah, she seems to encounter more than her fair share of dead bodies!
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
Suzanne might be one of the closest fictional relatives Hannah Swensen has in the cozy mystery world.
Both women operate popular small-town businesses, know their communities well, and have a remarkable talent for finding themselves involved in murder investigations.
Their shops also serve as gathering places where conversations and gossip can reveal important clues.
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
Delicious doughnuts and sweet treats
A friendly small-town setting
A determined amateur sleuth
Recipes and food-centered storytelling
If you love spending time at The Cookie Jar, you'll probably feel right at home at Donut Hearts.
9. Death by Chocolate Mysteries by Sarah Graves
Start with: Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake
Books in the Series: 9
Chocolate lovers, this one's for you!
The Death by Chocolate Mysteries follow Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and her friend Ellie White, who operate the Chocolate Moose, a chocolate-focused bakery in Eastport, Maine.
Their business is filled with tempting desserts, but life in their coastal community is anything but uneventful.
When murder strikes, Jake and Ellie find themselves investigating crimes while trying to keep their bakery running.
Between baking deadlines, suspicious locals, and dangerous discoveries, the two friends have their hands full.
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
One of the best things about Hannah Swensen's mysteries is the combination of food, friendship, and crime-solving.
Jake and Ellie offer that same appealing mixture.
Their partnership brings warmth and humor to the investigations, while the Chocolate Moose provides a delicious backdrop.
The coastal Maine setting also gives readers a different kind of small-town charm.
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
Chocolate cakes, cheesecakes, and other desserts
A bakery operated by close friends
A picturesque Maine coastal town
Plenty of secrets beneath the peaceful surface
If Hannah's cookies make you hungry, just wait until you visit the Chocolate Moose!
8. Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by Amanda Flower
Start with: Assaulted Caramel
Books in the Series: 10
Who says murder mysteries can't be sweet?
The Amish Candy Shop Mysteries introduce Bailey King, a talented chocolatier whose career takes an unexpected turn when she returns to Harvest, Ohio, to help her grandparents with their Amish candy shop.
Bailey quickly discovers that small-town life is more complicated than she remembers.
Between managing family responsibilities, navigating cultural differences, and investigating murders, she has plenty to keep her busy.
Fortunately, there's always chocolate!
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
Bailey and Hannah are both talented women whose lives revolve around creating delicious treats.
They also share strong family connections and a willingness to investigate when something suspicious happens in their communities.
The Amish country setting adds a distinctive element, offering readers a glimpse into a community with traditions and relationships different from those in Lake Eden.
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
Handmade chocolates and candies
Family-owned business traditions
An Amish country setting
Warmhearted characters and intriguing mysteries
For readers who especially enjoy Hannah's family relationships and her baking business, Bailey King's adventures are a delicious alternative.
7. Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton
Start with: Goodbye Cruller World
Books in the Series: 11
If you love Hannah Swensen's Minnesota setting, you might enjoy another cozy mystery series set in the Midwest.
The Deputy Donut Mysteries feature Emily Westhill, a former 911 dispatcher who operates Deputy Donut in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin, with her retired-police-officer father-in-law.
Their shop is a popular gathering place, serving delicious doughnuts and coffee to local residents.
Unfortunately, the peaceful community has a habit of producing suspicious deaths.
Emily frequently finds herself investigating murders, sometimes with assistance from friends, family, and her knowledge of the community.
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
The similarities between Emily and Hannah go beyond their baking businesses.
Both live in Midwestern communities, have strong personal connections, and seem unable to avoid becoming involved in murder investigations.
The Deputy Donut shop also provides a familiar sense of comfort, much like The Cookie Jar.
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
A charming Wisconsin town
Freshly made doughnuts
Family relationships and friendships
A bakery owner with a talent for solving mysteries
If you're looking for a series that captures some of Lake Eden's Midwestern charm, this is a particularly good choice.
6. French Bistro Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber
Start with: A Deadly Éclair
Books in the Series: 2
For readers who enjoy culinary cozy mysteries with a slightly more sophisticated menu, the French Bistro Mysteries offer a delicious change of pace.
The series follows Mimi Rousseau, who operates Bistro Rousseau and Maison Rousseau, an inn, in California's Napa Valley.
Mimi is passionate about food, hospitality, and creating memorable experiences for her guests.
Unfortunately, murder has a way of interrupting even the most carefully planned event.
When suspicious deaths occur, Mimi finds herself investigating while trying to protect her business and the people she cares about.
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
Although Mimi's culinary world is different from Hannah's cookie shop, both women are hardworking business owners who care deeply about their communities.
Food plays an important role in their lives, and their businesses provide opportunities to meet an interesting assortment of characters.
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
French-inspired food and desserts
A beautiful Napa Valley setting
A determined businesswoman turned sleuth
Culinary details woven into the mysteries
If you enjoy Hannah's baking adventures but occasionally crave something a little more gourmet, Mimi's bistro might be just the place.
5. Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah
Start with: Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop
Books in the Series: 6
Imagine opening a bakery in a historic lighthouse overlooking Lake Michigan.
Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?
That's exactly the sort of new beginning Lindsey Bakewell hopes for when she leaves her old life behind and moves to Beacon Harbor, Michigan.
Lindsey dreams of running a charming bakery filled with delicious pastries and happy customers.
Unfortunately, her fresh start becomes complicated when murder enters the picture.
Soon, Lindsey finds herself juggling bakery responsibilities, complicated relationships, and a murder investigation.
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
Lindsey and Hannah have plenty in common.
Both are passionate bakers, independent businesswomen, and amateur detectives who can't resist uncovering the truth.
The Beacon Bakeshop also has the sort of memorable atmosphere that makes fictional cozy mystery businesses so appealing.
And the lakeside setting provides an extra touch of charm.
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
A bakery inside a historic lighthouse
Beautiful Lake Michigan scenery
Delicious baked goods
Romance, friendships, and murder
If you love The Cookie Jar but wouldn't mind a view of the water, the Beacon Bakeshop is an excellent place to visit.
4. Cookie House Mysteries by Eve Calder
Start with: And Then There Were Crumbs
Books in the Series: 3
A cookie shop, a charming island community, and a murder mystery?
Hannah Swensen fans might already be reaching for this series!
The Cookie House Mysteries follow Kate McGuire, a pastry chef who arrives in Coral Cay, Florida, looking for a fresh start.
Kate finds an opportunity at The Cookie House, a local bakery where her talents help bring new life to the business.
But Coral Cay has its share of secrets, and Kate soon discovers that solving murders might become an unexpected part of her new career.
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
Of all the series on this list, the Cookie House Mysteries offer one of the most obvious connections to Hannah Swensen.
After all, both feature talented bakers whose businesses revolve around cookies!
Kate and Hannah also share a tendency to become involved in their communities' mysteries, even when they would probably be safer staying in their kitchens.
The Florida island setting gives the series a sunny twist on the familiar bakery mystery formula.
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
A bakery specializing in cookies
A charming Florida island community
A talented pastry chef turned sleuth
Friendships, secrets, and murder investigations
If your favorite part of Hannah Swensen's adventures is spending time at The Cookie Jar, this series should be near the top of your list.
3. Baker Street Mysteries by Valerie Burns (V. M. Burns)
Start with: Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder
Books in the Series: 5
What happens when someone who knows almost nothing about baking suddenly inherits a bakery?
That's the predicament facing Maddy Montgomery in the Baker Street Mysteries.
After her life takes an unexpected turn, Maddy arrives in New Bison, Michigan, where she has inherited her great-aunt's bakery and an enormous English mastiff named Baby.
Maddy has plenty to learn about running a bakery, but she quickly discovers that baking isn't her only challenge.
There's also a murder to solve!
With help from her new friends and neighbors, Maddy begins building a new life while learning the ins and outs of the bakery business.
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
Maddy might not begin her adventures with Hannah's baking expertise, but the two share a determination to succeed and a talent for becoming involved in mysteries.
The series also features an appealing Midwestern setting, entertaining supporting characters, and plenty of humor.
Watching Maddy learn to run her bakery adds another layer of fun.
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
A charming Michigan bakery
A funny, relatable amateur sleuth
A lovable English mastiff
Baking adventures, friendships, and murder
If you love Hannah's independent spirit and enjoy a little humor with your mysteries, Maddy Montgomery is well worth meeting.
Check out our Books & Bakes for this mystery!
2. Cupcake Bakery Mysteries by Jenn McKinlay
Start with: Sprinkle with Murder
Books in the Series: 16
Cupcakes and murder might sound like an unusual combination, but Jenn McKinlay makes it work beautifully.
The Cupcake Bakery Mysteries follow Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura, who operate Fairy Tale Cupcakes in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The two friends are passionate about their business, and their creative cupcakes are a hit with customers.
Unfortunately, their lives become much more complicated when murder enters the picture.
Between suspicious deaths, personal relationships, and the challenges of running a bakery, Mel and Angie rarely have a dull moment.
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
This is one of the strongest recommendations for readers who love Hannah Swensen.
Mel and Hannah are both talented bakers who operate popular businesses and somehow keep getting involved in murder investigations.
Both series also feature ongoing relationships, romantic complications, and recurring characters who become increasingly familiar as the books progress.
And, of course, the food sounds absolutely delicious!
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
Creative cupcakes and tempting recipes
A bakery operated by best friends
Romance, humor, and recurring characters
Clever amateur-sleuth mysteries
If you've ever wanted to trade one of Hannah's cookies for a gourmet cupcake, Fairy Tale Cupcakes is waiting for you!
1. Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander
Start with: Meet Your Baker
Books in the Series: 23
If you're looking for a cozy mystery series that captures the delicious atmosphere, charming characters, and comforting setting of Hannah Swensen's adventures, the Bakeshop Mysteries might be exactly what you need.
The series introduces Juliet “Jules” Capshaw, a talented pastry chef who returns to her hometown of Ashland, Oregon.
There, she becomes involved in her family's bakery, Torte, a beloved local business filled with mouthwatering pastries and a welcoming atmosphere.
But Ashland isn't quite as peaceful as it appears.
When murder disrupts the community, Jules finds herself investigating suspicious circumstances while helping manage the bakery and navigating her complicated personal life.
The series combines delicious food, engaging mysteries, and a memorable community of recurring characters.
Why Hannah Swensen Fans Will Love It
Of all the series on this list, the Bakeshop Mysteries might come closest to recreating the overall experience of reading a Hannah Swensen book.
Jules and Hannah are both talented bakers who care deeply about their businesses, families, and communities.
Both long-running series feature welcoming bakeries, mouthwatering recipes, friendships, romantic complications, and amateur detectives who seem to attract trouble.
Ashland also has a distinctive personality, much like Lake Eden.
The Sweetest Reasons to Read:
A beloved family-owned bakery
Delicious pastries and recipes
A charming Oregon town
Family relationships, romance, and murder
A wonderful cast of recurring characters
If you're looking for your next favorite cozy mystery series after Hannah Swensen, the Bakeshop Mysteries would be our first suggestion!
What Makes Baking Cozy Mysteries So Appealing?
There's a reason so many cozy mystery readers love stories set in bakeries, candy shops, cafés, and other sweet little businesses.
These settings provide a comforting contrast to the darker subject of murder.
A bakery is a place where people gather, friendships develop, neighbors exchange gossip, and secrets sometimes slip out over a cup of coffee.
It's also the perfect setting for an amateur detective.
After all, who hears more local gossip than someone who serves the entire town breakfast?
Food also creates a sense of familiarity. When we return to Hannah Swensen's Cookie Jar or Jules Capshaw's Torte, we aren't simply returning to a mystery series.
We're returning to a place that feels like an old friend.
And there's something especially satisfying about watching a clever amateur sleuth solve a murder while managing to keep the ovens running!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Cozy Mysteries
What book series should I read after Hannah Swensen?
If you love Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen Mysteries, try Ellie Alexander's Bakeshop Mysteries, Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery Mysteries, or Valerie Burns's Baker Street Mysteries. All three feature bakery settings, engaging amateur detectives, and memorable recurring characters.
What cozy mystery book series feature bakeries?
Popular bakery-centered cozy mystery series include the Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander, Cupcake Bakery Mysteries by Jenn McKinlay, Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah, Cookie House Mysteries by Eve Calder, and Magical Bakery Mysteries by Bailey Cates.
Are there cozy mystery books about cookies?
Yes! Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen Mysteries feature The Cookie Jar, while Eve Calder's Cookie House Mysteries follow a pastry chef working at a cookie bakery in Florida. Both series combine baking with amateur detective work.
Do baking cozy mysteries include recipes?
Many culinary cozy mystery series include recipes, allowing readers to recreate some of the treats featured in the stories. Recipe availability varies by series and individual book, so check the edition you're reading.
Are there baking cozy mysteries with cats?
Absolutely! Hannah Swensen's cat Moishe is a reader favorite, and Cate Conte's Cat Cafe Mysteries offer plenty of feline charm. Other culinary cozy mysteries also feature beloved animal companions, including the Baker Street Mysteries.
A Little Sugar Makes the Mystery Sweeter!
One of the wonderful things about cozy mysteries is that there's always another fictional town to visit, another charming shop to explore, and another amateur detective waiting to become a favorite.
If you love Hannah Swensen, you don't have to leave behind the comforting combination of baking, friendship, romance, and murder when you finish your next Joanne Fluke novel.
You can visit a cupcake bakery in Arizona, a chocolate shop in Maine, a doughnut shop in Wisconsin, or a pastry-filled bakery in Oregon.
And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even sample a little magical baking in Georgia!
Each of these series offers its own delightful variation on the sweet cozy mystery formula.
Now we're curious: Which baking cozy mystery series is your favorite? Are you loyal to Hannah Swensen and The Cookie Jar, or have you discovered another fictional bakery you'd love to visit?
We'd love to hear which sweet mysteries are on your reading list!
And if all this talk of cookies, cakes, and cupcakes has made you hungry, perhaps it's time to put the kettle on, find a little something sweet, and settle in with your next cozy mystery.