by Sydney Leigh
There is a cozy mystery for everyone. Themes range from crafting and cooking to the paranormal and beyond. I love them all. But so close to New Year’s I chose a few of my favorites that feel particularly fresh and unique. The four I’ve chosen are just the beginning…
Olivia Blacke, Vinyl Resting Place (St.Martin’s, 2022)
The first book in the Record Shop Mystery Series can be summed up in one word: fun. With three sisters, two vying men, and a murder to solve, this story keeps readers turning the pages. Juni Jessop finds herself in a world of trouble when her uncle goes missing after a dead body is found in the supply closet of the record shop. Trying to juggle her family, find the killer, and save her business, Juni has her hands full. And with musical references throughout and punny coffee blends, this book was a hit for me. Look out for the third installation in the series, Rhythm and Clues, out in March 2024.
Rob Osler, Devil’s Chew Toy (Crooked Lane, 2022)
This debut novel grabbed me from the get-go. Fast-paced and unpredictable, this quozy (queer cozy) had me guessing right until the end. Taking the reader on a ride around town, starting out at a rollicking gay dance club in Seattle, this is not your traditional cozy. Hayden McCall is over his head when he starts his investigation into what happened to a missing go-go dancer, who also happened to be his date. With the help of his new friend, Hollister, he is determined to find his handsome hookup. Using courage he never knew he had, readers find themselves rooting for Hayden while he tries to solve the mystery. Watch out for the second book in the series, Cirque du Slay, out in March 2024.
Jennifer J. Chow, Death by Bubble Tea (Berkley, 2022)
A Los Angeles night market is the setting of this mystery series and I loved it. Two cousins navigate the ins and outs of operating a food stall together despite their very different personalities. The stall becomes a surprise hit until a customer turns up dead and they soon become prime suspects in the murder. They must work together to clear their names and save their business. The books’ unique elements and fast-paced storyline make it unputdownable. And don’t miss the second book in the series, Hot Pot Murder, out now!
Gabby Allan, Much Ado About Nauticaling (Kensington, 2021)
Heard the term romcozy? Combine a rom com and a cozy mystery and that’s what you get. And this book is a great example. In fact, the author is rumored to have coined the term herself (thank you Gabby!). The story follows Whitney Dagner who returns home to Santa Catalina Island off the coast of mainland California to help run the family business, Nautically Yours. Whitney takes visitors out on glass bottom boat tours, and finds a dead body on one of the outings. When her brother becomes the prime suspect, Whitney must find the truth to prove his innocence. The lead detective is no other than her ex-boyfriend Felix Ramirez, a nice bonus. There are three books in this entertaining series, with the latest All That Glitters Isn’t Old, available now.
ABOUT SYDNEY LEIGH
Sydney Leigh ran a seasonal business for several years, working in the summer so she could spend cold months in cool places. Now she writes modern cozy mysteries and thinks about murder. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and served on the Board of Crime Writers of Canada from 2018-2021. Her new book, Peril in Pink, will be out in March 2024 with Crooked Lane Books.
