2026 Cozy Mystery Releases to be Excited for!
Cozy mystery lovers, get ready to fill your 2026 TBRs with irresistible new reads!
From quaint village whodunits and holiday-themed capers to sleuths with unexpected hobbies and familiar favorites returning with fresh twists, this year’s lineup has something for every taste. Whether you’re drawn to bookstore sleuths, culinary clues, crafty killers, or canine companions, these ten upcoming releases promise the perfect blend of charm, suspense, and that signature cozy flair we can’t get enough of. Here are the 2026 novels we’re most excited about diving into.
A Very Novel Murder by Ellie Alexander
Available January 20, 2026
A Novel Detectives Mystery Book #1
Opening a detective agency above her beloved bookstore feels like the perfect next chapter for Annie Murray—until her very first case involves a suspicious death close to home. When elderly local June Munrow insists that young Kelly Taylor’s drowning wasn’t an accident, Annie and the Novel Detectives begin digging into Kelly’s life. What they uncover is a web of secrets involving a strange landlord, a mysterious roommate, and complicated relationships that suggest nearly everyone has something to hide. As Annie follows the clues, her first official investigation becomes far more dangerous than she ever expected.
We’re especially excited for A Very Novel Murder because it spins off from Ellie Alexander’s beloved Secret Bookcase Mystery series—one we absolutely adore. Returning to this world with a fresh mystery, a bookstore setting, and a brand-new detective agency feels like the best of both worlds, and we can’t wait to see Annie step into the spotlight for this cozy sleuthing adventure - and more installments are set to come out later this year for even more fun!
2. Cozy Case Files, Volume 26: A Cozy Minotaur Sampler
Available February 10, 2026.
The new edition of Cozy Case Files is the perfect way to sample your next favorite cozy mystery series, with Minotaur Books bringing together the opening chapters of four charming new cozies debuting in Winter 2026. This twenty-sixth edition features stories by Jennifer J. Chow, Ellie Alexander, Rob Phillips, and Diane Kelly, and includes a delightful mix of sleuths and settings—from a first-time dad juggling private investigations and parenting, to enchanted cookies, a Broadway actor’s suspicious death, and a murder uncovered during a barn renovation.
We’re especially excited to read this collection because it brings together stories from multiple beloved cozy mystery writers, all in one place. Getting a taste of several new series at once is one of our favorite ways to discover fresh characters, clever premises, and new worlds to fall in love with—and Cozy Case Files makes that cozy discovery extra fun.
3. I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig
Available on Feb 17, 2026
After decades behind bars, former serial killer Carol is ready to enjoy the quiet life at a luxury retirement home—complete with new friends, harmless hobbies, and absolutely no murder. Unfortunately, her fresh start is short-lived when a fellow resident, a former police commissioner, turns up dead and Carol’s notorious past is exposed. With Sheldon Oaks crawling with retired law enforcement and government officials who assume her guilt is a given, Carol must clear her name and find the real killer…all while navigating bingo nights, baking sessions, and the awkward reality of being the most suspicious person in the room.
We’re especially excited to read this one for its darkly playful humor and delightfully absurd premise. A reformed serial killer trying to stay out of trouble while solving a murder in a retirement community promises sharp wit, clever reversals, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—making it a standout pick for cozy readers who love their mysteries with a strong dose of comedy.
4. Easter Egg Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Peggy Ehrhart
Available on February 24, 2026
This pastel-packed collection serves up three Easter-themed cozy mysteries where festive fun turns deadly. In Easter Egg Murder, Lucy Stone stumbles into a lethal mystery in Provence involving stolen Fabergé-style eggs and a shocking death. Death by Another Easter Egg finds restaurateur Hayley Powell racing to save her reputation after a reporter dies mid-meal, uncovering secrets someone was desperate to keep hidden. And in An Eggy Way to Die, an Easter egg hunt leads to the discovery of a murdered cookbook author, sending two amateur sleuths scrambling for answers among broken shells and sticky clues.
We’re especially excited for this collection because we love a cozy mystery that fully embraces a holiday theme. From Easter egg hunts and pastel décor to springtime settings and seasonal treats, the festive atmosphere adds an extra layer of charm—making these mysteries perfect for readers who enjoy their sleuthing with a splash of spring holiday cheer.
Summer wedding bells are ringing in Harvest, Ohio, as chocolatier Bailey King prepares to marry Sheriff Aiden Brody in the latest Amish Candy Shop Mystery. But what should be a joyful celebration—complete with a lavish chocolate truffle wedding cake—takes a deadly turn when a guest dies after eating the hors d’oeuvres. With a close friend framed as the prime suspect, Bailey dives into another investigation before she’s even had her first dance as a newlywed.
We’re especially excited for this installment because we love Amanda Flower’s cozy, charming storytelling and can’t wait to finally see Bailey and Aiden’s long-awaited wedding. A murder mystery unfolding amid wedding festivities in Amish Country feels like the perfect mix of romance, high stakes, and sweetness—and we’re eager to see how it all plays out.
Bainbridge Island bookseller and aspiring author Meg Gates finds herself drawn into another mystery when a notoriously cranky food critic is found dead by the marina. As suspects pile up among the island’s culinary elite, Meg teams up with her boyfriend Dalton and the Mystery Crew at Island Books to uncover the truth—while juggling her own struggle to write a guide on becoming a detective. Set in the Pacific Northwest, this latest mystery from Lynn Cahoon blends books, food, and small-town secrets into a clever whodunit.
As cozy mystery fans, we’re excited for this one because it hits all our favorite notes: a bookstore setting, an amateur sleuth we love, foodie intrigue, and a charming island community. Add in Lynn Cahoon’s warm, readable style and a close-knit cast of characters, and this mystery feels like the perfect recipe for a cozy read we can’t wait to curl up with.
This latest Castle Knoll Murder Mystery weaves together two chilling cases set decades apart, from the glamour of 1960s Soho to the art world of present-day West London. In 1968, Frances Adams is swept into a dazzling social scene by the enigmatic Vera Huntington—only for Vera to be brutally murdered. Years later, Frances’s great-niece Annie arrives in London and discovers a modern-day killing that mirrors the past, placing her artist mother directly in the killer’s sights. As Annie investigates, she must unravel a deadly secret linking both crimes before history repeats itself.
We’re excited to read this mystery because we love stories that blend past and present, especially when family secrets and old journals play a key role in solving modern crimes. The glamorous London setting, high personal stakes, and the series’ proven ability to deliver smart, atmospheric puzzles make this installment especially irresistible for mystery fans.
8. Death on the Lanai by Rachel Ekstrom Courage
Golden Girls Cozy Mystery #2
Available on June 09, 2026
The Golden Girls return for another cozy caper when a mysterious invitation lures Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia to a glamorous party on a remote island estate. The lavish celebration honors a famous artist—who turns out to be Blanche’s long-lost love and self-proclaimed muse—but when a storm traps the guests and the host is found dead, suspicion quickly falls on Blanche. With the island cut off and suspects everywhere, the Girls must once again work together to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.
We’re especially excited to read this installment because we love seeing the Golden Girls solve a mystery together—their banter, heart, and humor make every case a delight. We also read the first book in our CozyCrimes Book Club, so returning to this series feels like catching up with old friends, cheesecake and all.
9. The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood
The Marlow Murder Club Book #5
Available July 7, 2026.
In the latest cozy crime novel from the bestselling author of The Marlow Murder Club, two high-profile deaths shake the quiet riverside town of Marlow. With a famous soccer player and a bestselling thriller writer both killed, Judith, Suzie, and Becks must navigate a tangle of secrets, blackmail, and suspects—especially with their police ally DI Malik suspended and Judith’s own past threatening to resurface. Time is running out as the unstoppable trio races to catch the killer before another shocking death occurs.
We’re especially excited for this book because we love both the Marlow Murder Club series and the PBS Masterpiece adaptation. Seeing our favorite sleuths back in action, whether on the page or screen, promises the clever mysteries, charming village setting, and witty camaraderie that made us fall in love with Marlow in the first place.
10. The Quilt Whisperer Investigates by Peggy Ehrhart
Available on August 25, 2026
In this crafty new cozy series from Peggy Ehrhart, quilt expert Caroline must solve a murder at Banburyport’s Arts and Crafts Museum when wealthy collector Nancy Critchley is found dead—and a priceless antique quilt goes missing. With suspects ranging from a critical museum intern to disgruntled family members, Caroline and her friend Libby must unravel a tangled web of secrets, historical rivalries, and hidden motives to uncover the truth.
We’re especially excited for this premiere because we love mysteries set in crafty, creative worlds. A quilting-focused cozy with a New England fall backdrop promises clever puzzles, charming small-town vibes, and plenty of crafty inspiration alongside the suspense.