Top Cozy Mystery Halloween Reads
"Mystery, Mischief, and Halloween Chills: Six Cozy Mystery Books to Curl Up With"
As the leaves turn and the nights grow longer, there's a special kind of magic in the air—a hint of mischief and a dash of mystery that's perfect for the Halloween season. What better way to celebrate this enchanting time of year than by diving into a captivating cozy mystery? With their charming settings, quirky characters, and intriguing puzzles, cozy mysteries provide the ideal blend of suspense and coziness for autumn nights. Join us on a literary journey as we unveil six bewitching titles that are tailor-made for Halloween reading. From haunted houses to curious crimes in quaint villages, these books promise to keep you guessing while you snuggle under a blanket and sip on your favorite fall beverage. Whether you're an amateur sleuth or just looking for some holiday thrills, these cozy mysteries are bound to add a touch of suspense to your Halloween festivities. Get ready for spine-tingling adventures that will leave you delightfully spooked and craving more!
Here are some Halloween-themed cozy mystery books that are certainly “treats” even if there might be some murderous “tricks” within the pages.
Death Bee Comes Her
Book #1 in An Oregon Honeycomb Mystery series by Nancy Coco
Description: Halloween season is approaching and casts its enchanting spell over Oceanview, Oregon. In the heart of it all is Wren Johnson, the talented artisan behind the delectable honey boutique, Let It Bee. But this year, her plans for crafting sweet treats take a spine-tingling turn when she finds herself in the spotlight as the prime suspect in a murder case. With her aunt, loyal friends, and an irresistibly charming Havana Brown cat named Everett by her side, Wren embarks on a quest to clear her name.
Why It's a Seasonal Treat: Nancy Coco's "Death Bee Comes Her" is a must-read for cozy mystery enthusiasts, especially during this hauntingly delightful Halloween season. The bee-themed boutique of Let It Bee is a place so inviting that you'll wish it existed in reality. And let's not forget about Everett, the furry feline companion with a personality as captivating as the mysteries Wren unravels. Since it's the first book in the An Oregon Honeycomb Mystery series, you can jump right into the Halloween adventure without missing any previous escapades. So, cozy up with this enchanting read, and let the mysteries of Oceanview sweep you away this October.
2. Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant
Book #4 in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series by Darci Hannah
Description: In Beacon Harbor, Michigan, Halloween weekend brings a mix of festive events, including the beloved Pumpkin Pageant showcasing both humans and their canine companions. Lindsey Bakewell, the local bakery and café owner residing in the lighthouse, serves up delectable pumpkin treats while keeping the spooky decorations at bay, despite the persistent rumors of her haunted abode. Reluctantly permitting her friend Kennedy to host a live ghost-hunting podcast in the lighthouse, Lindsey's concerns reach a peak when the harmless investigation takes a sinister turn, revealing a chilling corpse disguised as a prankster's ghastly costume. With tensions rising and the clock ticking, Lindsey and her friends must maintain their composure to uncover the truth behind the terrifying Halloween night.
Why It's a Seasonal Treat: We always love reading about the Beacon Bakeshop and the ghostly rumors make it perfectly suited for a Halloween read. We enjoy seeing a ghost-hunting podcast unfold and welcome any opportunity to hear more about Welly. There are also recipes included in this book!
3. Halloween Cupcake Murder
Anthology of Halloween mysteries comprising of stories from Carlene O’Connor, Liz Ireland, and Carol J. Perry
Description: Embark on a thrilling international journey this Halloween as you explore the spine-chilling escapades in an anthology of mystery tales by acclaimed authors Carlene O’Connor, Liz Ireland, and Carol J. Perry. From the spirited streets of Galway, Ireland, to the festive hubbub of Christmastown and the haunting festivities of Salem, Massachusetts, these gripping stories promise to keep you on the edge of your seat. Uncover Gaelic enigmas with Tara Meehan as she unravels a cryptic message intertwined with ancient traditions in “HALLOWEEN CUPCAKE MURDER”, and join Mrs. Claus in her quest to untangle bitter rivalries and unmask a fiendish culprit amidst a candy corn-themed carnival in “MRS. CLAUS AND THE CANDY CORN CAPER”. Meanwhile, follow Lee Barrett's thrilling investigation amid Salem's bewitching Halloween celebrations as she delves into the disappearance of a wealthy bakery owner and his beloved feline companion, Cupcake in “A TRIPLE LAYER HALLOWEEN MURDER”. With delectable cupcake clues and deadly consequences at every turn, this anthology proves that Halloween surprises can be found in every corner of the globe, and even in the sweetest of treats.
Why It's a Seasonal Treat: Whether you're a cozy mystery aficionado or simply seeking a thrilling seasonal read, this anthology guarantees to add an extra dose of Halloween magic to your reading list. We’ve enjoyed cozy mysteries by all these authors and its fun to enjoy some of their “bite-sized” adventures. The settings are all very different, but they all have twists, turns, and tantalizing tales!
4. Hallowe’en Party
A Hercule Poirot novel by Agatha Christie
Description: At a seemingly innocent children's Hallowe'en party, a chilling revelation comes to light—someone in the small English village is a murderer. As renowned detective Hercule Poirot delves into the secrets and lies hidden within the idyllic community, the line between trick and treachery blurs. With eerie encounters and a web of sinister motives, Agatha Christie's masterful storytelling invites readers on a haunting journey where nothing is as it seems. "Hallowe'en Party" is a classic tale of suspense and deception that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the last startling revelation.
Why It's a Seasonal Treat: There’s a reason why Agatha Christie books are classics! This tale will keep you guessing and send shivers down your spine. We obviously love Hercule Poirot and are delighted when he is joined by mystery novelist Ariadne Oliver. As tricks turn sinister and the boundaries between the ordinary and the eerie blur, Christie's masterful storytelling is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and provides a thrill for Halloween.
5. Catch Me If You Candy
Book #17 in the A Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander
Description: With the Oregon Shakespeare Festival ending, Ashland turns its attention to Halloween and bakery-owner Jules Capshaw is delighted to whip up autumnal treats and trick-or-Torte bags. She is also looking forward to the costume parade led by the King George the pug. However, when someone dressed as a dragon is found dead outside her bakeshop, Jules worries that her mother’s friend will be implicated in the murder.
Why It's a Seasonal Treat: This Halloween adventure is a delightful addition to the captivating series led by the ingenious Jules Capshaw. As cozy mystery enthusiasts, we can't get enough of the delightful world crafted by the author, where every page turn leads to theatrical charm and spooky twists in this Shakespearean town. We only wish that we could really taste the mouth-watering treats that are described within the pages of this cozy!
6. The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer
Book # 2 in the Paws and Claws mystery series by Krista Davis
Description: Holly Miller believes she made the right choice in changing careers to move Wagtail and help her Oma run an extremely pet-friendly hotel. What she does not believe in is ghosts! When the Apparition Apprehenders arrive in town to film a ghost-hunting show based on local legends, Holly remains skeptical. However, when one of them winds up dead, Holly wonders if a recent murder victim might have unfinished business in town.
Why It's a Seasonal Treat: We wish we could visit the pet-centric town of Wagtail! It is a haven for dogs and cats, as well as their adoring owners, and it a perfect cozy mystery town. This book is fun because it features ghost hunters with off-screen drama and lots of Halloween pet fun. It also includes recipes for human and animal treats!
What are some of your other favorite Halloween reads?
Have you checked out our Supernatural Series Suggestions or Magical Mystery Reads?