The Cozy Mystery Comeback: Why Readers Are Falling in Love with Whodunits Again

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about curling up with a good cozy mystery—a warm cup of tea, a sleepy village, and just enough suspense to keep you turning pages late into the evening. In 2025, the cozy mystery genre has made a joyful comeback, dominating book recommendations across BookTok, Bookstagram, and Goodreads. What was once tucked away on quiet library shelves is now front and center on bestseller lists.

If you’ve been noticing more cozy covers, cottage-core detective vibes, or quirky amateur sleuths taking over your feed, you’re not imagining things. Cozy mysteries are trending again, and readers couldn’t be happier. Here’s why this heartwarming genre is reconnecting us to what reading is all about—community, comfort, and the thrill of a well-kept secret.

Why Cozy Mysteries Are Trending Again

In a world filled with fast-paced news, digital overload, and high-stakes dramas, readers are craving stories that feel safe, clever, and comforting. The new cozy mystery wave offers a perfect escape. Think of it as the literary equivalent of slipping into fuzzy socks after a long day: still interesting, but gentle on the heart.

• Comfort + Curiosity: Cozy mysteries offer the perfect mix of intrigue and warmth. There’s always a puzzle to solve—without the darkness or gore of traditional crime fiction.
• Community-Centered Stories: Readers love the recurring casts of small-town characters—bookstore owners, bakers, librarians, and gardeners—who feel like old friends by book two.
• BookTok & Bookstagram Influence: Viral recommendations, beautiful cover art, and “Books to read when you miss Gilmore Girls” lists have made the genre accessible for new readers.
• Seasonal Reading Appeal: Cozies pair beautifully with fall and winter reading aesthetics, tapping into the same sensory joys as holiday baking or crafting your next planner spread.

The New Generation of Cozy Mysteries

Today’s cozy mysteries blend traditional charm with modern flair. Diverse protagonists, inclusive settings, and fresh storylines are redefining what a cozy can be. Many of the top cozy mysteries trending on BookTok feature quirky amateur sleuths who balance solving local crimes with owning small businesses or balancing busy lives—something modern readers deeply relate to.

Expect plenty of humor, friendship, and found-family moments. Gone are the one-size-fits-all English villages of the past; today’s settings span from small-town cafes in Ontario to bustling bookstores in Brooklyn or flower shops in the Pacific Northwest. Cozies have gone global, social, and delightfully aesthetic.

10 Trending Cozy Mystery Books You Shouldn’t Miss

Whether you’re new to the genre or a lifelong fan, these titles are stealing hearts (and solving fictional crimes) all over BookTok this year:

1. Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien – A fun and flavorful start to the Noodle Shop Mystery series, perfect for readers who love culinary cozies with a modern twist.
2. Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano – A witty blend of chaos, motherhood, and murder. The series is now a BookTok darling thanks to its humor and relatability.
3. Bookmarked for Murder by V.M. Burns – A mystery within a mystery, featuring a retired teacher turned bookstore owner who solves crimes between cups of tea.
4. A Killer Read by Erika Chase – Set in a small book club that turns detective when a real murder interrupts their peaceful meetings (bonus: set in Ontario!).
5. Lemon Curd Killer by Laura Childs – The long-loved Tea Shop Mysteries continue to trend, blending Southern charm, tea facts, and culinary whodunits.
6. Something’s Guava Give by Carrie Doyle – A tropical cozy that proves the genre can thrive outside small-town snowglobe settings.
7. Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto – A laugh-out-loud hybrid of cozy mystery and rom-com that’s not afraid to get stylish.
8. Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala – A delicious mix of food, family, and Filipino flavor that’s become a cozy TikTok favorite.
9. A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert – A must-read for book lovers, set in a literary archive with an elderly sleuth who’s equal parts charming and sharp.
10. Against the Currant by Olivia Matthews – A cozy bakery mystery full of Caribbean flavor, sisterhood, and soft suspense.

BookTok and the Cozy Mystery Aesthetic

The hashtag #CozyMysteryTok has exploded this year, bringing thousands of readers together. The aesthetic is pure comfort: soft lighting, book stacks, mugs of tea, and floral cardigans set to calming lo-fi or jazz music. Many creators combine reading recommendations with lifestyle content—baking, journaling, or setting up reading nooks inspired by cozy books.

This visual storytelling boosts discoverability and makes cozy mysteries particularly appealing for digital creators like us. On *My Grandma’s Teacups*, the cozy genre fits beautifully with planner spreads, teacup collections, and creative journaling—everything that celebrates rest, reflection, and joy.

Why Cozy Mysteries Feel So Healing

Cozies are more than just a genre trend—they’re a form of gentle escapism. The stories often include grief, renewal, and self-discovery, but they’re told with hope and humor. Unlike thrillers that leave you tense, cozy mysteries leave readers soothed and inspired.

It’s also no coincidence that this resurgence follows several years of uncertainty and stress. Readers across generations are turning towards media that feels kind—comfort television, cottagecore décor, and now cozy books that promise emotional resolution. We crave closure, and a well-plotted mystery gives us that satisfying “aha!” moment every time.

How Publishers Are Responding

Publishing houses are embracing this comeback. Imprints like Berkley and Kensington continue to expand their cozy lines, spotlighting diverse voices and seasonal storytelling. There’s also a noticeable rise in book subscription boxes featuring cozy mysteries, literary teas, and themed bookmarks—perfect for readers who want a monthly parcel of charm and intrigue.

Independent bookstores and librarians have joined the trend, hosting mystery & tea nights, book club meet-ups, and even local “clue hunts.” It’s a genre that naturally builds community—something readers have been missing in the digital age.

Tips for Building Your Cozy Mystery Reading List

• Pick a Subgenre: Love food? Start with culinary cozies. Prefer cats, crafts, or books? There’s a cozy for every hobby.
• Start a Series: Cozy mysteries often follow recurring sleuths, making it rewarding to binge entire arcs.
• Create a Journal Spread: Design a “Cozy Reading Log” layout with themed stickers or washi tapes. It’s a fun, mindful project!
• Mix Old and New: Try a golden age classic (like Agatha Christie) alongside a modern cozy to see how the genre evolved.

Final Thoughts: The Return of Comfort Reading

The Cozy Mystery Comeback of 2025 proves that readers are ready to slow down and savor books again. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a reawakening of storytelling that celebrates kindness, cleverness, and curiosity. Cozies remind us that comfort and creativity can coexist beautifully.

As fans of crafts, tea, and paper planning here at My Grandma’s Teacups, we understand how reading can be a self-care ritual. So pour yourself a mug of Earl Grey, fluff your favorite blanket, and pick up a cozy mystery tonight. The world may be unpredictable—but inside a good whodunit, order (and good tea) always prevails.

Which cozy mystery are you reading right now? Share in the comments below— I’d love to feature your next read!