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7 Fourth of July Cozy Mysteries You Won’t Want to Miss

Red, white and…murder? These reads will keep you guessing from start to finish!

The Fourth of July is all about celebrating our country’s birthday. Often, that includes spending time with loved ones enjoying barbecues, family trips, parades, fireworks and more. But it’s also a nice day to relax with a good book on the porch, in the backyard or at the pool. And while many people reach for a book about our founding fathers, a presidential biography or a historical fiction tome, others are more interested in Fourth of July cozy mysteries! If you’re one of them, we’ve got you covered with 7 offerings you won’t be able to put down! From whodunits to who-stole-its to who’s up to no good, these page-turners all take place on July 4th. Keep reading for 7 of our favorite Fourth of July cozy mysteries. They’re sure to get you in the mood for your own celebrations — no matter where you are!

Murder is No Picnic by Amy Pershing

Murder is No Picnic by Amy Pershing (4th of july cozy mysteries)
Berkley

Danger, intrigue and delicious sweet treats…this whodunit has it all! Samantha “Sam” Barnes, the “Cape Cod Foodie,” is prepping for the upcoming Fourth of July festival. She finds the perfect blueberry buckle recipe in celebrity chef Clara Foster’s cookbook. But when Clara dies in a house fire blamed on a kitchen accident, Sam is convinced there’s something more to it. Now, she vows to crack the case — or else!

What readers are saying: “Murder Is No Picnic was a grand read with characters I love to visit, delectable food and a fun mystery to solve. This is a perfect book for the upcoming holiday when you need to escape the heat of the day or come up with a dish for your own family picnic.”

Sweet Tea and Secrets by Joy Avon

Sweet Tea and Secrets by by Joy Avon
Crooked Lane Books

A kooky, spirited story begins in this installment of the Tea and Mystery series. Callie Aspen is researching the history of Heart’s Harbor, Maine, for her great-aunt’s Fourth of July tea party. She soon learns that a 1980s TV star went missing in the town and she decides to investigate on her own — but nothing can prepare her for what she finds.

What readers are saying: “My girlfriends and I get together every July 4th, but since our group is spread out across the country, it’s not possible to meet up this year,” sighs Lauren Blum, Woman’s World Associate Editor. To lift my mood, I read this festive whodunit. I enjoyed the pretty coastal setting and the fun mystery!

Fourth of July Forgery by Tonya Kappes

Fourth of July Forgery by Tonya Kappes (4th of july cozy mysteries)
Tonya Kappes

The newest enchanting installment of Tonya Kappes’ Holiday Cozy Mystery series is filled with twists and turns. Local reporter Violet Rhinehammer is covering her town’s Fourth of July celebrations when an art dealer is found dead on the beach. With her keen investigating skills and talent for solving murders, she’s determined to find the killer. Can she do it before anyone else dies?

What readers are saying: “Fourth of July is my favorite holiday,” shares Blum. “Ahead of the big day, I picked up this cozy mystery to set the mood and it was so good! This book had me on my toes and got me even more excited for the upcoming festivities!”

Oh Say Can You Fudge by Nancy Coco

Oh Say Can You Fudge by by Nancy Coco
Kensington

Arson, fireworks and fudge abound in this Fourth of July cozy mystery set in Mackinac Island. Allie McMurphy, owner of the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, is determined to have the best Fourth of July ever. But when Rodney Rivers, the biggest name in aerial displays — and the man she hired to help out — is found dead, Allie must grab her bichonpoo and try and solve the case before the drama ruins the holiday !

What readers are saying: “A great enjoyable cozy mystery set on Mackinac Island during the Fourth of July holiday. It has fun characters, suspense, mild romance, mystery, twists and turns — plus several mouthwatering fudge recipes.”

Happy 4th of July Murder by Rachel Woods

Happy 4th of July Murder by Rachel Woods (4th of july cozy mysteries)
BonzaiMoon Books

This spellbinding tale follows reporter Roland “Beanie” Bean, who suddenly hears gunshots during the town’s Fourth of July fireworks display. Now, there’s a dead body and a plethora of suspects ranging from a bookie, a bitter ex-girlfriend and a stranger with a shocking connection to the dead man. But when the investigation catches the killer’s attention, Beanie quickly goes from writing the news to making it.

What readers are saying: “I enjoyed reading Happy Fourth of July Murder. This was a fast read for me with enough twists to keep the story interesting. I will be looking for more books by this author!”

Star Tangled Murder by Nancy J. Cohen

Star Tangled Murder by Nancy J. Cohen
Orange Grove Press

The charming, witty page-turner follows hairstylist Marla Vail and her detective husband Dalton. When the vacationing couple learn that a Seminole battle reenactment in the living history village they’re visiting turns deadly, Dalton and Marla get mixed up in the investigation. They soon discover the shocking lies and secrets that this historical Florida village holds.

What readers are saying: “I kept turning the pages of Star Tangled Murder because I had to know what came next. I enjoyed the new-to-me Florida history revealed in the story, and I was fascinated by the buttons. An A-plus mystery in a compelling cozy series.”

Gone with the Whisker by Laurie Cass

Gone with the Whisker by Laurie Cass (4th of july cozy mysteries)
Berkley

Chaos ensues in the beautiful town of Chilson, Michigan on the Fourth of July as tourists pack in for the fabulous fireworks show. Minnie Hamilton and her rescue cat, Eddie, have had a busy day on the bookmobile delivering books to patrons. But when Minnie’s niece Katrina discovers a body, Minnie recognizes the deceased. Now, she and Eddie hunt to find the killer before they strike again!

What readers are saying: “Another great installment in one of my favorite series and favorite authors. I will be anxiously waiting for the next book.”


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