Cozy Creatures
Cozy Mysteries are home to some amazing animal characters. Whether faithful pets, active investigators, or animals that make us laugh - we love reading about them.
Here are some of our current favorites:
Oliver
The corgi dog from A Chatty Corgi Mystery series by Jennifer Hawkins
This pick is helped by the fact that our main character Emma can literally understand what her dog is saying, but we love hearing Oliver's point of view on interesting smells and murderous clues. With a slight Welsh accent and bravery bigger than his size, he makes for a great crime-solving companion.
2. Prozac
The cat from Jaine Austen Mysteries by Laura Levine
Prozac is a bit self-involved and isn’t always helpful to the freelance writer/sleuth Jaine, but the amusing descriptions of her feline indulgences and indignations earn her a place in our hearts.
3. Telescope
The three-legged chihuahua from A Paws Fur Play Mystery series by Stella St. Claire
A three-legged rescue chihuahua who will do all he can to rescue his owner Willow if she comes face to face with a killer, he is also a whiz at the obstacle courses in her doggie gym.
4. Elvis
The black cat from Second Chance Cat Mystery by Sophie Ryan
Extremely intelligent, Elvis has an ear for music and a knack for always being at Sarah’s side and sometimes helping solve murders. The scar across his nose tells us he’s had a hard life, but he has found a second chance at Sarah’s refurbishment shop and is a favorite of her customers and readers.
5. Violet
The big, white dog from A Love is Murder Mystery by Mimi Granger
Endearing from the get-go, Violet tugs at our heartstrings mourning her master who was the victim of murder and carrying his bandana around. With her sweet disposition and heroic actions, we don’t even mind how much she sheds!
6. Moishe
The cat from the Hannah Swensen Mysteries by Joanne Fluke
This one-eyed former street cat bounds into his owner's arms like a cannonball to greet her whenever she comes home, and is always there to listen to Hannah talk out whodunnit or investigate what she is cooking up in the kitchen.
7. Buttercup, Marigold & Petunia
Cows from A Buttermilk Creek Mystery by Mollie Cox Bryan
We love seeing these sweet girls in the field and how they help a cheesemaker achieve her dream. We like the differences in their docile personalities and feel for Petunia, in mourning for her calf. We certainly hope that adding a friendly dog to their herd will help her to heal.
8. Noodles
The senior dog from A Shake Shop Mystery by Dana Mentink
This older rescue dog has lots of tricks to show off as we learn he was trained to be a service dog (and flunked out) and is always offering help - though with mixed results as he sometimes fetches condiments for comfort. He is a good friend to Trinidad, offering support as she navigates a new town, new business, and run-ins with fellow ex-wives of her convict ex-husband while investigating a murder.
9. Bluebeard
The parrot from A Haunted Souvenir Shop Mystery series by Christy Fifield
Okay, this parrot might curse like a sailor, but he is also very helpful in communicating with the ghost of a dead relative and offering advice to help solve local suspicious deaths.
10. Wickham
The Himalayan cat from A Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery series by Katie Oliver
Like his Pride and Prejudice namesake, this cat belonging to English Professor Brighton might indulge in some selfish and vain behavior, but he is also intelligent, loyal, and willing to scratch to save those he loves.
Who are some of your favorites? We’d love to know who else we should read about!