8 Halloween-Themed Cozy Mysteries to Curl Up With This Spooky Season

Cozy mysteries are the perfect book choice when you’re looking to get in the Halloween spirit—without experiencing the terrifying scares provided by authors like Stephen King. The light-hearted genre, which typically involves a novice sleuth finding herself at the center of a murder investigation in a small town, is incredibly popular, and in recent years, a number of Halloween cozy mystery books have hit the shelves. From haunted houses to Halloween festivals gone wrong, there is no shortage of non-scary murder mystery books to read this Halloween season. Here, our favorite Halloween cozy mysteries to help you get in the spirit—without the fear!

‘Halloween Cupcake Murder’ by Carlene O’Connor, Liz Ireland and Carol J. Perry

Told in three parts, this collection of Halloween cozy mysteries is a delight. The first part follows architectural salvage store owner Tara Meehan, who receives a cupcake and a spooky message that turns out to have deadly consequences. Liz Ireland’s short story comes next and will have you wondering who poisoned one of the elves working at Christmastown’s big Halloween celebration. Finally, Carol J. Perry delivers a delightful tale about a missing baking owner and his cat Cupcake, whom Lee Barrett is determined to find before it’s too late. 

What readers are saying: “Halloween Cupcake Murder is a delightful collection of cozy mysteries that will get you in the Halloween spirit. Written by bestselling authors Carlene O’Connor, Liz Ireland and Carol J. Perry, these three stories are filled with spooky thrills, intriguing puzzles and mouth-watering treats.” 

‘Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant’ by Darci Hannah

Spooky-meets-kooky adventure ensues in this whodunit set on Halloween. In Beacon Harbor, bakeshop owner and lighthouse resident Lindsey Bakewell is very busy ahead of the pumpkin pageant. Reluctantly, she lets her friend Kennedy host a live ghost-hunting investigation in her lighthouse. But the event takes a turn when the hunters find a corpse. Now, Lindsey and her crew must crack the case or else!

What readers are saying: “My birthday is close to Halloween, and I always feel a pull to be with family as soon as that first chill blows in the air,” says Maggie Dillard, Woman’s World Senior Associate Editor. “So I picked up this kooky whodunit to take my mind off homesickness, and it did just the trick. It was spooky and hilarious and was just what I needed.” 

‘Whiskers and Lies’ by Sofie Kelly

This mysterious tale follows librarian Kathleen Paulson and her baker friend, Georgia Tepper. Georgia is hired to bake cupcakes for the Reading Buddies Halloween Party at the library. But when Georgia’s mother-in-law— who recently threatened her with legal action—is found dead, she’s on the list of suspects. Now, Kathleen and her savvy cats must help find the killer and clear Georgia’s name fast!

What readers are saying: Whiskers and Lies is a must-read for fans of the series. It’s a delightful combination of Halloween, cozy mystery, magical elements and unforgettable characters. I can’t recommend it enough, and I eagerly anticipate this excellent series’ next adventure!” 

‘Murder In The Bayou Boneyard’ by Ellen Byron 

Award-winning author Ellen Byron is back with a spooky installment in her fan-favorite Cajun Country series. It’s almost Halloween, and Maggie Crozat, the proprietor of a historic B&B, is conjuring up a marketing scheme to draw in visitors. But guests are spooked by sightings of the legendary rougarou—a vampire-werewolf hybrid. After a poisoning occurs, Maggie vows to crack the eerie case.

What readers are saying: “Murder In The Bayou Boneyard is an engaging read that will keep readers happy, and after I turned the last page, I realized I wouldn’t mind spending a holiday or two with the Crozats, especially around Halloween.” 

‘A Halloween Homicide’ by Tonya Kappes 

This spooky scare installment of Tonya Kappes’ Holiday Cozy Mystery series is filled with twists and turns. While on her town’s local ghost walk, reporter Violet Rhinehammer quickly realizes that one of the fake bodies is indeed real! Now Violet is determined to catch the killer before Holiday Junction’s Halloweenie Festival is ruined. A fun and festive Halloween tale. 

What readers are saying: “Another addictive read joining Violet in her new hometown, and this time, we get to celebrate Halloween with her! I completely enjoyed this book and look forward to more visits with Violet soon!”

‘Nine Lives and Alibis’ by Cate Conte

This whodunit set in Daybreak Harbor is filled with spooky danger and intrigue. The town is gearing up for Halloween, and Maddie James is planning the festivities. But when Maddie’s sister, Sam, books a medium named Balfour Dempsey for the celebrations, he’s later found dead after being pushed off the cliffs near a haunted inn. Now, Maddie and her family must solve the eerie crime that’s thrown the town into a frenzy!

What readers are saying: “This was the perfect book to read to get in the mood for Halloween. It has everything you want. There is a Haunted Halloween Festival, a medium, a pumpkin carving, and a 40-year-old unsolved murder. This book is one of my favorites in the series so far. I took my time reading this because I did not want it to end.” 

the weekend lull! The best part: Lucy’s bone-chilling case isn’t the only story in the book! This festive anthology includes two additional mini-mysteries, so I’ll be busy for days!” 

‘Haunted House Murder’ by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis and Barbara Ross

The story starts soon after Ty and Heather Moon move into a home in Tinker Cove, a coastal town in Maine. Shortly after, they notice strange noises and spooky flashing lights coming from the house. Then, when a local boy goes missing, it’s up to super sleuth Lucy Stone to figure out what’s really going on—and find the boy before it’s too late. 

What readers are saying: “Leading up to Halloween, I had some unexpected free time and was looking for a book to get myself in the spooky spirit. And this fun whodunit kept me entertained during the weekend lull! The best part: Lucy’s bone-chilling case isn’t the only story in the book! This festive anthology includes two additional mini-mysteries, so it kept me busy for days!”

‘Crypt Suzette’ by Maya Corrigan

This feisty, quirky tale begins as Val Deniston gears up for the Halloween party she’s catering for the new bookshop in town. But after the bash, she finds her granddad’s roommate, Suzette Cripps, mowed down by a hit-and-run driver. At first, Val thinks this fright-night debacle was just an accident, but as she digs for the truth, she finds that Suzette was a target. Now Val is determined to rip the mask off the culprit before it’s too late! 

What readers are saying: “I was looking forward to a weekend of leaf peeping at the park—but the weather had other plans!” sighs Shay Trotter, Woman’s World Associate Editor. “To keep myself busy, I snuggled up with this cozy mystery. I was so engrossed in this whodunit that I forgot all about the weather. Plus, the book includes delicious recipes, too!”