The best cosy crime books to curl up with

Why read this: This is an atmospheric and touching mystery that explores grief, restoration, and the unique bond between humans and their pets. Lulu Lewis was planning a gentle retirement on her canal boat, but her instincts as a former police detective are soon called upon again. When her mother-in-law dies in suspicious circumstances, Lulu senses foul play. She is joined in her investigation by Conrad, a detective unlike any other you've ever met. . . As they navigate the British waterways, this unlikely duo works to uncover a killer.

If you’re looking for: Grief and healing, amateur sleuth, gentle mystery.

Great for fans of: S. J. Bennett’s The Windsor Knot.

What the experts say: 'A captivating, charming and gentle tale, perfect for all those who love their crime cosy' – Peter James, bestselling author of the Roy Grace series. 'Charming and original. This book is the cat’s whiskers.' – Anthony Horowitz, bestselling author of The Twist of a Knife.

Why read this: Before there was The Thursday Murder Club, there was The Lavender Ladies Detective Agency. Siiri and Irma may have a combined age of nearly 180, but they remain as sharp and inquisitive as they were when they first met decades ago. At the Sunset Grove retirement home, their comfortable world is upturned by a suspicious death. Refusing to let the mystery go unsolved, they form a detective agency in order to conduct their own investigations. Beneath the home’s calm facade, they soon discover that retirement is anything but quiet . . .. This is a witty, life-affirming mystery.

If you’re looking for: Retirement home setting, amateur sleuths, female friendship.

Great for fans of: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, M. C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series and Alexander McCall Smith.

Why read this: Set against the beautiful, rugged backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales, this cosy crime has twitching curtains, feuding neighbours and a quintessential British whodunnit. Samson O’Brien has returned to his hometown of Bruncliffe to open the Dales Detective Agency, but the villagers are far from welcoming. When a series of deaths is linked to Delilah Metcalfe’s dating agency, Samson must work with his rival to solve this local puzzle where everyone is a suspect.

If you’re looking for: Yorkshire Dales setting, village life, a new series to get into.

Great for fans of: Midsomer Murders, the Inspector Montalbano series by Andrea Camilleri.

What the experts say: ‘A classic whodunit set in the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, written with affection for the area and its people. A satisfying read riddled with dry Yorkshire humour (and dry-stone walls).' Cath Staincliffe, author of The Silence Between Breaths.

Why read this: This heartwarming story, a sensation in Japan, offers an entertaining take on puzzle mysteries and is packed with classic crime references. Kaede, a twenty-seven-year-old schoolteacher, frequently encounters everyday riddles that leave her stumped. For guidance, she visits her beloved grandfather; despite his dementia, he retains a master sharpness of mind for solving crimes. Together, they work to solve everything from locked-room murders to missing person cases. Steeped in references to greats like Christie and Poe, this is an affectionate story that celebrates the power of the mind and the strength of family bonds.

If you’re looking for: Locked-room mysteries, grandfather-granddaughter duo, Japanese setting, literary references, heartwarming tone, amateur detectives.

Great for fans of: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Agatha Christie.

Why read this: Freya Lockwood has spent twenty years avoiding her childhood village, but the suspicious death of her mentor, antiques dealer Arthur Crockleford, forces her return. Armed with Arthur’s journals, Freya and her Aunt Carole attend an antiques weekend at a secluded manor house. Amidst poor replicas and guests with hidden agendas, they must solve a complex puzzle before the killer strikes again. 

If you’re looking for: Antiques and collectables, manor house setting, multi-generational duo, puzzles and riddles, a brand new series.

Great for fans of: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr.

What the experts say: 'It’s a delicious read, packed with fascinating details in a picture-perfect setting. Who could resist a treasure hunt with murder at its core?' SJ Bennett, author of A Death in Diamonds.

Why read this: In this quirky and original debut, the world of Jane Austen meets a modern-day murder. When Miss Georgiana Darcy escapes an unwanted marriage proposal in 1799, she is accidentally transported to 1995. Arriving on the set of a film adaptation at a grand country house, she finds herself the only witness to a terrible crime. With the help of a handsome Irishman and a border collie named Watson, Georgiana must solve the riddle before the killer strikes again. A charming, escapist romp that brilliantly reimagines a beloved literary world.

If you’re looking for: Time travel, Regency retelling, country house mystery, animal sidekicks, fish-out-of-water humour.

Great for fans of: Miss Austen Investigates by Jessica Bull, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Enola Holmes, Bridgerton.

What the experts say: ‘Wonderfully original . . . a twisty cosy crime' – Emma Pass, author of Before The Dawn.

Why read this: An out of work actor becomes an unwilling crime-solver with the help of the dead. Meet Tanz, a wine-loving, straight-talking actor from Gateshead whose career has 'shrivelled like an antique walnut'. After taking a job in a 'new age' shop in London, Tanz discovers that the voices in her head are real: she is the latest in a long line of psychic mediums. Suddenly, she is using her new-found skills to solve murders. Spooky, hilarious, and brimming with oddball characters, this first book in a new series is perfect for readers who like their cosy crime with a touch of the supernatural.

If you’re looking for: Supernatural elements, Northern wit, mediumship, London setting, humorous crime, female lead.

What the experts say: ‘Spooky and hilarious and brimming with oddball characters, I love this book!’ – Mandasue Heller, author of Running Scared.

Why read this: In the village of Twytching, a radio documentary sparks a fierce rivalry that quickly turns fatal. Inspector George Parrish is keen to stay out of the fuss, but a wave of poison pen letters uncovering the secrets of the village’s leading citizens forces him to intervene. Barnard’s incisive character portrayals and his ability to prepare the reader for the unexpected make this a classic small-town murder mystery. 

If you’re looking for: Poison pen letters, village rivalries, classic whodunnit, 1970s setting.

Great for fans of: Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple.

Why read this: Transport yourself to the fictional Scottish village of Tannochbrae during the inter-war years. This collection brings together A. J. Cronin's hugely popular stories featuring his most well-known creation, Dr Finlay, made famous by much-loved adaptations for radio and television. The stories found here are heart-warming, funny and touching, full of fascinating characters and unforgettable encounters.

If you’re looking for: Scottish Highlands setting, inter-war nostalgia, medical drama, village community, heart-warming stories.

Great for fans of: All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot and Call the Midwife.