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Hello, my fellow sleuth‑at‑heart. Pull up your comfiest chair, grab your favorite mug, and settle in — because today we’re talking about the seven hottest cozy mystery authors of 2025, the ones who dominated book clubs, topped cozy‑reader polls, and kept the genre thriving with charm, wit, and irresistible whodunits.
2025 wasn’t just a good year for cozies — it was a banner year. New series launched, beloved authors returned with some of their strongest work, and readers flocked to stories that offered comfort, cleverness, and community. If you’ve been wondering which authors truly defined the cozy landscape last year, this newsletter is your curated, cozy‑wrapped guide.
Hello, my fellow sleuth‑at‑heart. Pull up your comfiest chair, grab your favorite mug, and settle in — because today we’re talking about the seven hottest cozy mystery authors of 2025, the ones who dominated book clubs, topped cozy‑reader polls, and kept the genre thriving with charm, wit, and irresistible whodunits.
2025 wasn’t just a good year for cozies — it was a banner year. New series launched, beloved authors returned with some of their strongest work, and readers flocked to stories that offered comfort, cleverness, and community.
If you’ve been wondering which authors truly defined the cozy landscape last year, this newsletter is your curated, cozy‑wrapped guide. I'm so glad to be back in this saddle, preparing a cozy mystery newsletter for this month.
Let’s get started, dear readers!
The Seven Hottest Cozy Mystery Authors of 2025
These authors didn’t just release books — they shaped the cozy conversation. Their titles appeared repeatedly on bestseller lists, reader‑favorite roundups, library‑circulation reports, and cozy‑community discussions.
1. Ellie Alexander
2025 Highlight: Killing Me Soufflé
Ellie Alexander has long been a staple of the cozy world, but 2025 was a standout year for her. Killing Me Soufflé — a culinary cozy set on the Oregon coast — became one of the most talked‑about releases of the year.
Alexander’s fanbase grew even more in 2025, especially among readers craving foodie cozies with heart.
2. Jenn McKinlay
2025 Highlight: Fatal First Edition (Library Lover’s Mystery #15)
Jenn McKinlay is one of the most consistently bestselling cozy authors, and 2025 was no exception. Fatal First Edition kept her Library Lover’s series at the top of cozy charts.
Why readers couldn’t get enough of her style as a book‑loving heroine, a library setting that feels like home, the humor woven into every chapter, mysteries that stay clever without ever getting dark.
McKinlay remains a go‑to author for readers who want cozies that feel like a warm hug with a dash of sass.
3. Mia P. Manansala
2025 Highlight: Murder and Mamon (Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery #6)
Manansala’s Filipino‑American culinary series continued its bestselling streak in 2025. Murder and Mamon brought readers back to Shady Palms for another round of family chaos, delicious food, and a mystery that kept fans guessing.
Readers love her for the vibrant cultural flavor, laugh‑out‑loud family dynamics, food descriptions that make you hungry, a heroine who’s relatable, flawed, and lovable.
Her books consistently appear on “best of” lists for a reason.
4. Amanda Flower
2025 Highlight: Crime and Cherry Pits (Amish Matchmaker Mystery #4)
Amanda Flower is a powerhouse — she writes multiple series, and somehow every one of them finds its audience. In 2025, Crime and Cherry Pits was the standout, landing on several cozy‑reader favorite lists.
What makes Flower a perennial bestseller is she is charming, readers love the small‑town settings, quirky, lovable characters and mysteries that stay light but satisfying, and
a writing voice that feels like chatting with a friend.
She’s one of the most reliable names in the genre.
5. Vicki Delany
2025 Highlight: A Cold Brew Killing (Tea by the Sea Mystery #5)
Vicki Delany had a strong 2025 with multiple series in circulation, but A Cold Brew Killing was the book that kept popping up in cozy‑community discussions.
Readers praised the seaside setting, the tea‑shop atmosphere
the gentle humor, and the well‑paced mystery.
Delany’s ability to juggle multiple series without sacrificing quality is part of what made her one of the hottest authors of the year.
6. Abby Collette
2025 Highlight: A Killer Scoop (Ice Cream Parlor Mystery #4)
Abby Collette’s Ice Cream Parlor series continued to charm readers in 2025. A Killer Scoop blended sweet treats, family warmth, and a mystery that kept readers turning pages.
Why she’s a 2025 standout with the cozy settings with real personality, strong family themes, a heroine who grows with each book, and mysteries that balance comfort with cleverness.
Collette’s books are the kind you read with a smile.
7. Carlene O’Connor
2025 Highlight: Murder at an Irish Castle (Home to Ireland Mystery #1)
Carlene O’Connor launched a brand‑new series in 2025, and it took off fast. Murder at an Irish Castle became one of the year’s most‑recommended cozies, especially among readers who love atmospheric settings.
Readers were drawn to the Irish countryside backdrop, the family‑driven plot, the blend of humor and heart,
a mystery that felt fresh and engaging.
O’Connor’s ability to create immersive settings made her one of the hottest authors of the year.
Why These Seven Dominated 2025
Across bestseller lists, library data, and cozy‑reader communities, several patterns emerged:
Foodie cozies were unstoppable
Alexander, Manansala, and Collette all delivered culinary‑themed hits that dominated cozy conversations.
Small‑town charm stayed irresistible
Flower, Delany, and McKinlay continued to prove that readers love communities where everyone knows everyone — and everyone has a secret.
New series gained traction fast
O’Connor’s Irish‑set mystery was one of the fastest‑rising new cozy series of the year.
Readers wanted comfort with cleverness
All seven authors delivered mysteries that were warm, witty, and smart — without ever tipping into darkness.
If You Want a 2025 Starter Stack…
Here’s a ready‑to‑read lineup featuring one book from each author:
Killing Me Soufflé — Ellie Alexander
Fatal First Edition — Jenn McKinlay
Murder and Mamon — Mia P. Manansala
Crime and Cherry Pits — Amanda Flower
A Cold Brew Killing — Vicki Delany
A Killer Scoop — Abby Collette
Murder at an Irish Castle — Carlene O’Connor
That’s a full month of cozy bliss.
Closing Thoughts
2025 reminded us why cozy mysteries endure: they offer comfort, community, and clever puzzles wrapped in warmth. These seven authors didn’t just publish books — they shaped the year’s cozy landscape and gave readers stories that felt like home.
If you’re building your 2026 TBR, you can’t go wrong starting with any of them.
Until next time, dear reader —
May your tea stay warm, your blankets stay soft, and your mysteries stay cozy.
Here's just a few of new and exciting mystery stories for your reading pleasure:
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter! https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Greetings, dear readers and welcome to the February edition of the mystery newsletter! Well, this is a special month for me, personally. It's not only Valentine's month
That time for love and friendship♥ The other fun thing this month is my birthday and my husband's birthday, too.
Before I get lost in revelry of my life, let's get on to the newsletter questions from last mystery newsletter. We had two newsletter readers who shared their thoughts and answered the questions for us. The first person who answered is: Rick Dean - Dinosaur {c:blue} AXLP is originally from New Orleans. Alas, the estate is now a parking lot. His brother is the unforgettable Diogenes. And I believe it was Douglas Preston who worked at The Museum.{c/}
Thank you so much for answering not only one question but the bonus question as well.
Now, on to the 2nd reader who answered is : Fictiøn Ðiva the Wørd Weava{c:magenta} Douglas Preston worked at the American Museum of Natural History and used this place in his bestselling novel(s).
The main protagonist of the A.X.L. Pendergast series, who is an F.B.I Special Agent, is born in New Orleans, but A.X.L. Pendergast resides in New York City and New York Field Office.{c/} Thank you Fictiøn Ðiva the Wørd Weava for your answers, you too have a MB and awardicon to claim for your participation for this month. I'll be in touch to get your choices out to you asap.
Now, on to the question of this month. The question asked in the newsletter was:
What is the theme of the majority of the cozy mysteries from this month?The first 5 people who answer this question will receive a MB or Awardicon of their choosing.
The second question is more obscure. I thought to put a "fun" riddle in this newsletter and hope that you enjoy this one. Riddle #2 — “The Clue in the Cup”
I steam when I’m happy, I chill when I’m not,
I’m held when you’re thinking, I’m sipped when it’s plot.
Detectives adore me, I’m part of their lore —
Solve me, and you’ll want to pour just one more.
What am I?
The first 5 people who answer this question will receive 2 MB for their time.
Well, I think that is all for this month. Our grandkids are enjoying winter snow and so am I. We were really blasted with a large amount of snow this past week, and there was also talk of a MOOSE in our parts! lol I'd be so geeked out if I saw one of these guys in real life but we have more than our fair share of deer around. lol Hope you enjoy this newsletter and until next time I see you guys later...you take care. Stay warm, get some matcha tea and enjoy your family. Hugs guys♥
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Mystery: February 25, 2026 Issue [#13606]
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