If you’re a reader looking for an entertaining mystery novel filled with quirky characters, several twists, and a small town or village setting, check out our most anticipated Summer 2021 cozy mysteries!  From bestselling authors you’re already acquainted with to debut authors making their mark, we are sure you’ll find something to pique your interest.

RELATED:

• Get our latest Summer Reading Guide here!
• Looking for a handful of books to read? Get The 2021 Summer Reading Minimalist List.
• If you’re interested in picking up a classic novel, check out our list of classic novels to read in the summer.
• We also have a 2021 Spring and Fall cozy mystery book list.
• And more recently, a 2022 Winter, Summer, and Best of Fall Cozy Mystery book lists as well.

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala

The first book in a new culinary cozy mystery series full of sharp humor and delectable dishes–one that might just be killer….

Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna by Mario Giordano, translated by John Brownjohn

There’s only one Auntie Poldi: bewigged, cursing in Bavarian, and knocking back a wee shot of grappa as a pre-breakfast aperitif . . . or is there? No one is as they seem (and sound) in this hilarious new mystery featuring Sicily’s sultriest sleuth.

Murder in a Scottish Garden by Traci Hall

From USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall, the second Scottish Shire Mystery returns to the charming seaside town of Nairn and the busy life of single mom Paislee Shaw, owner of a specialty sweater shop, knitting enthusiast, and reluctant sleuth…

Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia

The start of an exciting new historical mystery series set during the Harlem Renaissance from debut author Nekesa Afia.

A Glimmer of a Clue by Daryl Wood Gerber

From Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber, the second in an enchantingly whimsical series featuring Courtney Kelly, the owner of a fairy-gardening and tea shop in Carmel, California. It’s a special place brimming with good vibes, lush greenery, miniature fairy accessories, and soothing fountains; the perfect venue for book club teas and home to a cat named Pixie. But in Carmel-by-the-Sea, things aren’t all sweetness and fairy lights…

Murder at Keyhaven Castle by Clara McKenna

With her wedding to Viscount Lyndy Lyndhurst just days away, strong-willed American ex-pat Stella Kendrick is the talk of Edwardian society–and the focus of a deadly mystery–in Clara McKenna’s third historical mystery set in England’s New Forest region at the turn of the 20th century.

It Takes Two to Mango by Carrie Doyle

It’s all fun in the sun until someone turns up dead.

After Plum Lockhart’s job as a travel magazine editor is eliminated in corporate cuts, she decides she’s sick of cold winters in NYC and fruitless swiping on dating apps–what she needs is a dramatic change of scenery. On a whim, she accepts a job as a villa broker and moves to a beautiful Caribbean island.

A Few Drops of Bitters by G. A. McKevett

Plus-sized PI Savannah Reid doesn’t shy away from high-profile cases with the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency. But when an upscale party ends with murder, drawing clues from famous guests may prove trickier than squeezing into an old pair of jeans…

Much Ado about Nauticaling by Gabby Allan

The bubbly fun of a rom-com meets the irresistible quirkiness of a cozy mystery in this buoyant new series set off the coast of Southern California, where 30-something Whitney Dagner has moved home to help with her family’s boat tour business. Living in a Pacific paradise isn’t always smooth sailing, but things really get rocky when Whit’s brother is accused of murder and it falls on her – with the help of her ex-boyfriend Felix and police dispatcher roommate Mirabel – to clear his name…

Murder in a Teacup by Vicki Delany

National bestselling author Vicki Delany’s delightful Tea by the Sea mystery series continues, as Cape Cod tearoom proprietress and part-time sleuth, Lily Roberts, stirs up trouble when she unwittingly serves one of her grandmother’s B&B guests a deadly cup of tea…

Murder, She Edited by Kaitlyn Dunnett

As the hesitant new owner of a rundown property outside of sleepy Lenape Hollow, New York, freelance editor Mikki Lincoln must get her facts straight about an old murder on the premises–before the killer returns to meet the next deadline.

The Bitter Taste of Murder by Camilla Trinchieri

The follow-up to Murder in Chianti finds ex-NYPD detective Nico Doyle recruited by Italian authorities to investigate the murder of a prominent wine critic.

Danger at the Cove by Hannah Dennison

In Danger at the Cove, the second book in a delightful cozy series by Hannah Dennison a surprise visitor makes an appearance on the island–and murder ensues.

Are you looking forward to any of these books?

What cozy mysteries are you looking forward to in 2021?  What books would you add to the list?