Reading to escape is one of the big reasons why I read. Reading cozy mysteries especially feels like a true escape to me from all the news of the world and all the adulting I do during the day. The suspense grabs my attention but doesn’t stress me out because I know the promised ending of a cozy mystery includes resolution to the main mystery. Of course there might be some questions still lingering and that’s ok because that’s one of the reasons I’ll grab the next book, but I know the overall mystery will be solved and justice will prevail. And it’ll be a cozy journey with wonderful characters. 

If you’re looking to escape – maybe from the news or maybe travel isn’t a part of your August plans, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite cozy escapes. Enjoy! 

Dead and Gondola, book one in the Christie Bookshop Mystery series by Ann Claire: is it brutally hot where you are? Here’s the snowy, wintery escape you need to cool off. 

Ill-Fated Fortune, book one in the Magical Fortune Cookie Mystery series by Jennifer Chow: a culinary cozy mystery with a little magic sprinkled in. It has just as much heart as it does mystery. Set in California. 

Waterwheel Cafe Series by Victoria Tait: Victoria brings to life a small English village in the Cotswolds, full of unique and loveable characters–all adding to the series’ English charm. These are short and so easy to read. True escapes. 

Molten Death, book one in An Orchid Isle Mystery series by Leslie Karst: Readers who enjoy a little murder with a tropical vacation should be sure to pick up this entertaining and fun new mystery.

Mardi Gras and Magic, book one The Witches of the French Quarter Mystery by Jen Pitts: I adored exploring the French Quarter while reading – often I would forget that I was in my midwest home and not in New Orleans. This was a great escape. 

Resort to Murder, book one in the Northwoord Mysteries by Annie McEwen: What a fun mystery in a wonderful setting. I felt like I was escaping to the Wisconsin Northwoods with Emmy. The characters are so warm and kind, and I especially loved Emmy’s relationship with her two best friends from childhood. 

A Body on the Doorstep, book one in the London Ladies’ Murder Club series by Marty Wingate: Marty does such a wonderful job evoking the Golden Era of mystery. I felt as though I were walking the streets of 1921 London with Mabel. I found myself drinking more tea while reading and googling recipes for “seed cake.” The details of Mabel’s cozy flat and her delightfully quirky neighbors felt like meeting new friends I could solve mysteries with. (see my full review on Kings River Life News & Reviews)

Take the Honey and Run, book one in A Bee Keeping Mystery series by Jennie Marts: This was just the escape I needed when I was annoyed with all the adulting I had to do. I loved the mystery (and all the red herrings totally got me) and there’s even a little light, second chance romance that worked perfectly into the story. I adored the characters and there is great humor throughout. I can’t wait to go back to Honeybuzz Mountain Ranch.