What better way to cap off a tumultuous year than to seek solace in a cozy mystery this December? Especially when the author is a familiar one—dependable and time-tested.

As with other genres, many series' authors pen a special holiday or wintery title as part of—or as a supplement to—their existing story lines. These books insert our beloved characters into a holiday landscape, and often provide lighter fare than other books in the series. They can also be a good entree for curious "newbie" readers who are debating whether or not they want to commit to a whole series. Meant to delight instead of fright, cozies provide a secure retreat from the tempest of activities this month stirs up.

Pining for some comfort and joy to accompany an entertaining mystery? Your favorite mystery author may have already penned a release in the holiday spirit. For this month's blog, I wanted to highlight some examples of these themed cozies. All of the books below are the latest winter-themed releases from some of the most popular authors.

So, get the hot cocoa warmed up, slip off your shoes, and snuggle in for a comforting tale that both warms and chills. I just hope that you have a high-tolerance for bad puns!

The Twelve Jays of ChristmasThe Twelve Jays of Christmas by Donna Andrews
The Santa SuitThe Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews
A Murder Yule RegretA Murder Yule Regret by Winnie Archer
God Rest Ye Royal GentlemenGod Rest Ye Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen
Mrs. Jefffries and the Midwinter MurdersMrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders by Emily Brightwell
Twisted Tea ChristmasTwisted Tea Christmas by Laura Childs
Christmas Cupcake MurderChristmas Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke
One for the BooksOne for the Books by Jenn McKinlay
Christmas Card MurderChristmas Card Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, Peggy Ehrhart
The Madness of CrowdsThe Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny
A Christmas LegacyA Christmas Legacy by Anne Perry
Best in SnowBest in Snow by David Rosenfelt

December's Featured Reviews

Eight Perfect MurdersEight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
The Dutch Shoe MysteryThe Dutch Shoe Mystery by Ellery Queen

Recent Readings

I have recently finished reading All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris (a wonderful debut) and Getaway by Zoje Stage. I also really enjoyed listening to the talented narrator of Rabbit Hole by Mark Billingham.

Right now, I am enjoying A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins, and I am listening to the audio version of Bowlaway by Elizabeth McCracken.

I undoubtedly missed some great books tailor-made for these festive months. Have a favorite cozy author? Do they have a special release you are excited to begin? Drop me a line: (jnmegan@gpl.org)

As always, I truly appreciate your suggestions and feedback, and I hope to hear from you.

Until next time: Be safe, be well and be well-read!

Joelle


So, who am I, anyway? I am a resident of West Groton, with a husband, 4 teenaged children and a Samoyed puppy-all of whom are systematically destroying our house. I am currently working part time at the Groton Public Library and in a former life I was employed as a Director or PR/Marketing at a high-tech consulting firm. My BA is in Psychology, but most of my time was spent in college earning a Concentration on the Novel. That is all to say that I make no claims at being an expert of any kind and my thoughts, opinions and mistakes are solely my own. I am just a person whose passion for books has continued to grow from the moment I was first able to grip and gnaw on them, and I have been devouring them ever since.

Dec 01, 2021 / Joelle M Egan