7 Thanksgiving Cozy Mysteries to Devour This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. The festivities typically include time with family and friends, tasty comfort food, watching the big game and, of course, relaxing. And if you’re like us, your R and R time might include curling up with a good book. And what better stories to devour than Thanksgiving cozy mysteries? We’ve gathered our favorites full of holiday hijinks so good you can’t help but get in the spirit. From silly whodunits to turkey trickery, these books all occur on or around Thanksgiving. Here, the best Thanksgiving cozy mysteries to add to your reading list.

‘Trapping, Turkeys, and Thanksgiving’ by Tonya Kappes

A deliciously fun fall whodunit unfolds as Mae West practices for the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in an effort to stay healthy ahead of her wedding day. But she never expects to find an obituary card while out on the trail. Then things get even more shocking when there’s a murder! Mae vows to narrow down the suspects and track the killer—all while attempting to get along with her future mother-in-law. 

What readers are saying: “Book 28 in the Camper and Criminals mystery series and still going strong! It never gets old visiting Mae West and the town of Normal, Kentucky. The characters feel like friends and the town is so welcoming! Each book is unique and never boring! This time someone rightfully gets their “turkey” cooked by Mae West and the gang. Great read as usual!”

‘Cottage on Gooseberry Bay: Thanksgiving Past’ by Kathi Daley

Ainsley Holloway came to Gooseberry Bay to find answers about her past. Meanwhile, she joins forces with Parker, Jemma and Josie as they search for the truth about what happened to a family who vanished five Thanksgivings ago. 

What readers are saying: “Thanksgiving Past is the second book in Kathi Daley’s Cottage on Gooseberry Bay series. The amiable characters are well-developed, and the well-plotted storyline flows smoothly. This book is a fun and clean read, with a strong emphasis on family, friends, caring, and compassion. The complex mysteries encompass the main character’s past and the disappearance of an entire family five years ago. The intriguing mysteries and red herrings will keep readers engaged and guessing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading well-crafted cozies.”

‘Overkilt’ by Kaitlyn Dunnett

Liss, owner of the Scottish Emporium shop, lives in Maine with her husband, Dan. Thanksgiving is approaching, and Liss’ shop is doing well, but Dan’s family inn isn’t. So when a unique marketing campaign goes awry and a troublemaker turns up dead, Liss must step in to help find the real culprit! 

What readers are saying: “This was an entertaining mystery that kept me guessing right up until the suspenseful conclusion. The characters were unique. I want to get to know the core characters better so I am excited about Ms. Dunnett’s next book in this series. For me, it was a 5-star read and a perfect escape!”

‘To the Tome of Murder’ by Lauren Elliott

This fun, festive whodunit is set in coastal Greyborne Harbor and follows bookstore owner Addie Greyborne. It’s three weeks before Thanksgiving and Addie has a full plate working at her shop, but real chaos erupts when she finds her cousin’s boyfriend murdered, and before long, questions bubble to the surface. Now, Addie is the one who must follow all the clues and crack the case to find this dangerously well-read killer! 

What readers are saying: “Lauren never disappoints. This is my favorite cozy series, Greyborne harbor is the stuff of dreams. I couldn’t put the book down, long list of suspects and twists and turns every time you think you’ve found something out. I liked the historical aspect of this one, it was interesting and informative on top of being completely enjoyable. I can’t wait to for the next book with all of the surprises at the end of this one!”

‘Scot in a Trap’ by Catriona McPherson

Quirky chaos ensues in this whodunit about Scottish therapist Lexy Campbell. Lexy enjoys counseling the residents of the Last Ditch Motel. But she is shocked to find Menzies Lassiter dead in his room on Thanksgiving. Upon closer look, she realizes who Menzies is—her first love who broke her heart. Lexy had the opportunity and the motive to kill Menzies, which makes her a top suspect. Now, she must crack the case! 

What readers are saying: “I adore this series, and my coffee came out of my nose when I read the Very Gravy Dignitas chapter. Good, twisty mystery, heavy crime, hilarious interchanges, wonderful characters and awesome wardrobes. I truly hope there will be more!”

‘Gobble Gobble Murder’ by Leslie Meier

Leslie Meier, a beloved author of more than 25 quirky whodunits, is serving up two Thanksgiving tales—Turkey Day Murder and Turkey Trot Murder—in one charming book! Both hair-raising sagas follow Lucy Stone as chaos ensues in Tinker’s Cove, Maine, when someone ends up dead at the annual visit with TomTom Turkey and the Turkey Trot 5K race. Now, Lucy must find the killer before she gets stuffed!

What readers are saying: “I really like these Lucy Stone mysteries. They are a fast, but enjoyable read. I like that they are holiday-themed and I read them around their holidays. As a reporter, Lucy is a fair and non-judgemental person and can see the good, as well as the bad in people. We need more Lucy Stone’s in this world. I recommend this book and it’s a real bargain as you get two of her mysteries in one book.”

‘A Catered Thanksgiving’ by Isis Crawford

When sisters and bakeshop owners Libby and Bernie agree to cater the Field family’s Thanksgiving, they have no idea the murder of the patriarch will be on the menu. But when a snowstorm hits, they’re stuck in the mansion trying to solve the crime. Filled with recipes and mouthwatering descriptions of Thanksgiving favorites, this book will prepare you to participate in all the holiday activities.

What readers are saying: “I really enjoyed this book. It was my 7th book in this series to read. If you like cozy mysteries this book is for you.”