The Best Bakeries in Cozy Mysteries
Cozy mysteries can be packed full of descriptions of mouth-watering treats. These are a few delectable bakeries that we wish we could really visit to sample sweets while sleuthing:
The Cookie Jar
Hannah Swensen Mysteries by Joanne Fluke
There’s no surprise this is on our list! The Cookie Jar has appeared in twenty-nine (and counting) mysteries and every treat that Hannah Swensen bakes sounds delicious. She is constantly creating new recipes and we’re lucky that the author shares many of these recipes within the book.
2. Baby Cakes
A Baker Street Mystery series by Valerie Burns
Maddy Montgomery might still be learning to cook and bake after inheriting her great aunt’s bakery (and 250 pound mastiff named Baby) but everything served in the Baby Cakes bakery sounds divine. The book includes recipes that you could try out - and you might have more success in your kitchen without a large dog trying to lick the bowl or worrying about a killer out to get you.
3. Torte
A Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander
The treats served at Torte sound as divine as what could be described in a sonnet. We also love the Shakespearean theme that pervades this bakery and the rest of Ashland, Oregon. We wish we could try what Juliet Capshaw whips up in her kitchen before observing murderous plots - on stage or off. However, recipes are included for us to try at home.
4. Honeybee Bakery
A Magical Bakery Mystery series by Bailey Cates
Katie Lightfoot’s bakery has magic as well as delicious smells in the air. Though she needs to learn how to develop her witchy skills as well as how to manage a small business while solving murders, Katie creates some treats that sound supernaturally scrumptious. Recipes are included in the book that can be created without magic.
5. Beacon Bakeshop
A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series by Darci Hannah
What’s more exciting than a bakery teeming with delicious sweets? How about one built inside a historic lighthouse? This sounds like a picturesque place to visit. We’d love to pet Wellington and try some of the freshly-made treats from the (possibly haunted) site. There are recipes for treats and dinners included in the book.
6. Fairy Tale Cupcakes
A Cupcake Bakery Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay
It does sound like you’ll have a fairy tale happy ending after trying any of the decadent cupcakes created at this bakery in Scottsdale, Arizona. When Mel isn’t investigating a murder with her BFFs, she’s creating new and exciting cake and frosting flavors. (Some of these recipes are included in each book!)
7. Deputy Donut
A Deputy Donut Mystery series by Ginger Bolton
This donut and coffee shop is a favorite hangout of local law enforcement and knitting groups. The different types of donuts sound decadent, and we would love to see the feline mascot surveying the shop from her office perch while enjoying the treats. Recipes are included in the book.
8. Spice Isle Bakery
Spice Isle Bakery Mystery series by Olivia Matthews
Lyndsay Murray’s recently opened family bakery offers treats inspired by her Grenadian roots and they all sound amazing. Though she is working on improving her baking skills (while solving murders) so she is up to par with the rest of her talented family, we think everything served here sounds worth ordering. Recipes are included.
9. JJ’s House of Purrs
Cat Cafe Mystery series by Cat Conte
A major perk of this island cafe is that you can socialize with cats in need of a home when you visit, but the muffins and other sweet treats described also have our mouths watering.
10. Baked by Chloe
A Cannabis Cafe Mystery series by Emily George
Not officially open in book 1, but we love the descriptions of Chloe’s creations. Inspired to help her grandma deal with pain during chemo and to de-stigmatize the use of cannabis, she creates French-inspired pastries and edibles. Recipes and helpful hints are included in the book.