Historical cozy mysteries are the perfect combination of my two favourite genres – cozy mysteries and historical fiction. I love escaping to the past and enjoying a good sleuthing. While there aren’t as many historical cozies as there are other sub-genres (like culinary cozies), I have still been able to find several very enjoyable series.
For each series, I feature the cover/title of Book One and then link to the series list on Goodreads.
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Countess of Harleigh Mystery series
Set in: Victorian England
Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, enjoys more freedom as a widow than she did as a wife. After an obligatory year spent mourning her philandering husband, Reggie, she puts aside her drab black gowns, leaving the countryside and her money-grubbing in-laws behind. With her young daughter in tow, Frances rents a home in Belgravia and prepares to welcome her sister, Lily, arriving from New York—for her first London season.
This is one of my favourite historical cozy mystery series. The protagonist, Frances, is smart, independent, capable and caring. I easily fell under her spell. Frances would have probably been able to carry the series herself, but the fact that she’s surrounded by other well-written characters makes things even more enjoyable.
Book 1: A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder
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Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen
Set in: London, England, 1932
Georgie, aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, cousin of King George V of England, is penniless and trying to survive on her own as an ordinary person in London in 1932.
So far she has managed to light a fire and boil an egg… She’s gate-crashed a wedding… She’s making money by secretly cleaning houses… And she’s been asked to spy for Her Majesty the Queen.
This is a very popular series and one of the first ones I started reading when I looked into historical cozy mysteries. The series is already on Book 14, so if you plan on starting this one, you’ll have a lot of books to look forward to!
Book 1: Her Royal Spyness
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Victorian Bookshop Mystery series by Kate Parker
Set in: Victorian London, England
At age 30, Victorian bookshop owner Georgia Fenchurch knows she’s considered a middle-class old maid. That’s fine by her. During the day, she’s kept busy at the bookshop she inherited from her parents. At night, she works with the Archivist Society, a group of people who work together searching for the truth.
Together the Archivist society searches through dusty records, don disguises and assume identities as they hunt for missing people, stolen treasures, and cunning murderers.
This was an incredibly fun series and had the extra appeal of the historical fiction added in. Unfortunately, the last book in this series came out in 2017 so I think the series is over. However, there are five books in the series and Book 5, The Detecting Duchess, does seem to wrap the series up nicely.
Book 1: The Vanishing Thief
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Beryl and Edwina Mystery series by Jessica Ellicott
Set in: 1920 England
1920: Flying in the face of convention, legendary American adventuress Beryl Helliwell never fails to surprise and shock. The last thing her adoring public would expect is that she craves some peace and quiet. The humdrum hamlet of Walmsley Parva in the English countryside seems just the ticket. And, honestly, until America comes to its senses and repeals Prohibition, Beryl has no intention of returning stateside and subjecting herself to bathtub gin.
For over three decades, Edwina Davenport has lived comfortably in Walmsley Parva, but the post-World War I bust has left her in dire financial straits and forced her to advertise for a lodger. When her long-lost school chum Beryl arrives on her doorstep–actually crashes into it in her red motorcar–Edwina welcomes her old friend as her new roommate.
I love the contrast between the two main characters – Beryl and Edwina couldn’t be more different, but they prove that opposites attract. The two friends are the perfect sleuthing duo.
Book 1: Murder in an English Village
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A Victorian Book Club Mystery series by Callie Hutton
Set in: 1890 Bath, England
Mystery author Lady Amy Lovell receives an anonymous letter containing shocking news: her fiancé, Mr. Ronald St. Vincent, has been dabbling in something illegal, which causes her to promptly break their engagement.
Two evenings later, as Lady Lovell awaits a visit from Lord William Wethington, fellow member of the Bath Mystery Book Club, her former fiancé makes an unexpected and most unwelcome appearance at her house. She promptly sends him to the library to cool his heels but later discovers the room seemingly empty–until she stumbles upon a dead Mr. St. Vincent with a knife in his chest.
This is a really new series (only one book released so far!) but I really hope that more books on they way and soon! It’s so much fun and I really enjoy the characters. Amy is one of my favourite new cozy mystery main characters. Aside from her talent as a mystery writer, she is independent and smart. Just take a look at the notes I wrote about her: “25, curvy but not plump, always messy curly auburn hair, light freckles, owner of a white Pomeranian with a missing tail, has contacts in the criminal world, drinks brandy.” She’s definitely not your typical cozy mystery detective!
Book 1: A Study in Murder
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So that’s it for this Friday! It’s always fun to group together some of my favourite cozies under one subject. Do you have any favourite historical cozy mysteries? And what should be the topic of my next 5 for Friday post?
Every Friday, I share five things that have caught my interest – from my favourite book blog posts to my favourite bookstagram accounts, from random book lists I’ve put together to my current shopping list of bookish gifts. Have an idea for a future “5 for Friday” post? Leave a comment and let me know!
