As autumn’s crisp air and vibrant foliage create the perfect backdrop, it’s time to cozy up with a good book. This fall, dive into a collection of harvest-themed cozy mysteries that capture the essence of the season with their charming settings and delightful plots. From bustling harvest festivals to quaint pumpkin patches, these five cozy mysteries will keep you entertained and engaged as you enjoy the flavors and colors of fall. Grab a warm drink, settle into your favorite reading nook, and let these captivating stories whisk you away into a world of seasonal intrigue and suspense.
The fall festival in Blossom Valley is in full swing, with Civil War reenactors and festive attractions drawing crowds to Jacob Potter’s popular pumpkin farm. But the celebration turns dark when Potter is found dead under a tarp in Winnie’s pickup truck, shocking the entire town. As Winnie takes it upon herself to uncover the truth, she quickly realizes that the killer is determined to keep their deadly secrets hidden—no matter the cost.
WINE AND PUNISHMENT (A Literary Pub Mystery) by Sarah Fox
Sadie Coleman’s fresh start in Shady Creek, Vermont, takes a dark turn when her ex-boyfriend, Eric, is found dead near her newly opened literary pub. As Sadie settles into her new life amidst the town’s Autumn Festival festivities, she’s faced with the added challenge of solving Eric’s murder while dealing with a suspicious fire at a local antique shop. With the help of her aunt, friend, and pub patrons, Sadie must unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again.
GONE FOR GOUDA (A Cheese Shop Mystery) by Korina Moss
Cheesemonger Willa Bauer is preparing for the fall festival when a scandal erupts, revealing celebrity vegan chef Phoebe Winston is secretly a carnivore. After Phoebe is found murdered, Willa’s employee Archie becomes the prime suspect, prompting Willa to dig deep into the secrets of Yarrow Glen to clear his name and find the real killer.
MEMORIES AND MURDER (A Tourist Trap Mystery) by Lynn Cahoon
When Jill hosts a talk on elder abuse at Coffee, Books, and More, she’s preoccupied with lunch until she discovers her Aunt Jackie has been receiving suspicious calls. As Jill investigates the scam targeting her aunt, the situation escalates with the murder of a Senior Project volunteer, revealing a dangerous killer who threatens everyone involved.
DEATH BY HOT APPLE CIDER (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery) by Alex Erickson
Bookstore owner Krissy Hancock is supplying cider and overseeing the apple-bobbing booth at a town event when a patron tragically drowns during the festivities. Though her cider is cleared of blame, Krissy finds herself drawn into the investigation, especially with her policeman boyfriend aiming for a detective promotion. The victim, known for harassing local institutions over controversial literature, had made plenty of enemies—leaving Krissy to sort through a list of suspects and uncover the killer with a sinister agenda.
As you immerse yourself in these delightful harvest-themed cozy mysteries, let the scents of cinnamon and pumpkin spice accompany you on your literary journey. Each story offers a unique blend of seasonal charm and suspense, perfect for cozying up on a crisp fall evening. If you have any favorite autumn mysteries of your own, we’d love to hear about them—share your recommendations in the comments below! Here’s to a season filled with cozy reads and delightful mysteries. Happy reading!
