Books: Reading List: Five (5) Popular Cozy Mysteries Published 2020 and Beyond!

When you checked out my previous post My TOP TEN (10) Best Cozy Mysteries to Watch During the Holiday Season, you may have thought: 'These are classics. But what about more recent cozy mysteries? 

OK! Need a festive reading list of 5 Popular Cozy Mysteries Published in 2020 and beyond!  Perfect for curling up by the fireside during the holiday season?

Cozy mysteries + holidays work: The contrast between cheerful seasonal settings and clever sleuthing creates comforting suspense — like Hallmark meets Miss Marple. (AARP)

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🎄 1. The Mistletoe Mystery — Nita Prose (2024)

Hotel maid Molly Gray (from The Maid) is looking forward to a peaceful holiday… until a Secret Santa twist and a light mystery about trust and gifts put her on the sleuthing trail. It’s heartwarming, gentle, and a lovely festive read with cozy vibes rather than gruesome crime. 

Author: Nita Prose: Canadian mystery author Nita Prose garnered major attention with her debut The Maid, blending quirky protagonists with warm mysteries; she brings the same charm to this holiday outing.

Tidbits: 

• This title is short enough to enjoy in one sitting — perfect for a night in with cocoa and cookies! It’s part of Molly’s expanding cozy world, so fans of character-driven mysteries will adore it. 
• Mistletoe Murders is a holiday mystery TV series — not a direct adaptation of one of the mystery books on your holiday reading list. It’s based on an Audible original podcast series rather than a published holiday mystery novel.  Even so, the series premiered on Hallmark+ on October 31, 2024, and later aired on the Hallmark Channel during the 2025 holiday season. Stars Sarah Drew as Emily Lane, a small-town Christmas shop owner who investigates murders around her town of Fletcher’s Grove. The series is based on a podcast by creator Ken Cuperus (not on a mystery book), though it carries the cozy holiday mystery vibe your readers will love. It’s been renewed for at least Season 2 in 2025, expanding the story and mysteries each year. 

REF: DeRenzo, Nicholas. “These Holiday Mysteries Offer Cozy Chills.” AARP, 15 Nov. 2024, https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/books/holiday-mystery-books/.

Herman, Joly. “Mistletoe Murders.” Common Sense Media, 31 Oct. 2024, https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/mistletoe-murders.

“Holiday Cozy Mysteries for the Festive Season.” PenguinRandomhouse.Com, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/holiday-cozy-mysteries/. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

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🧶 2. It Came Upon a Midnight Shear — Allie Pleiter (2022) 

Libby Beckett’s yarn shop holiday celebration unravels when her ex turns up dead, and a rare luxury wool goes missing. As decorations go up, sleuthing begins, blending holiday cheer with small-town mystery. 

Author: Allie Pleiter: a bestselling cozy mystery author with dozens of books to her name and a special knack for knitting and craft-based mysteries. Her experience as a knitter and speaker adds heart to her cozy settings.

Tidbits: Knitting patterns are sometimes included in Pleiter’s books — a festive bonus for crafty readers! 

REF:  Allie Pleiter, https://alliepleiter.com/books/the-riverbank-knitting-mysteries/it-came-upon-a-midnight-shear/. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

It Came Upon a Midnight Shear. 8 Nov. 2022, https://dianneascroft.com/2022/11/08/it-came-upon-a-midnight-shear/.

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🎅 3. Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen — Vicki Delany (2021) 

In Rudolph, New York — a town that celebrates Christmas year-round — cozy sleuth Merry Wilkinson finds that even endless holiday cheer can’t hide a murder. A cheerful setting with holiday traditions on every page. 

Author: Vicki Delany: has written over 30 mysteries with heart and place-based charm, often featuring strong amateur sleuths in quirky communities.

Tidbits: This book launches the Year-Round Christmas series — great if you love holiday legend, season-long cheer, and a bit of sleuthing that never leaves the festive spirit. 

REF: “Holiday Cozy Mysteries for the Festive Season.” PenguinRandomhouse.Com, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/holiday-cozy-mysteries/. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

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📚 4. The Thursday Murder Club — Richard Osman (2020)

In a retirement community, four friends meet weekly to solve cold cases — and suddenly they’ve got a live case on their hands. While not strictly holiday-themed, this cozy (and hilarious) mystery has the warm feeling of gathering with friends — ideal for the season. 

Author: Richard Osman:  British TV presenter turned bestselling author, Osman’s debut was a global hit thanks to its delightful characters, witty prose, and lovable amateur detectives.

Tidbits: 

• This book became a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and is often gifted during the holidays for its charm and wit. 
• The first book in Richard Osman’s beloved series (The Thursday Murder Club, 2020) was adapted into a major motion picture that was released in 2025.  It starred Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley, among others, and debuted on Netflix after a theatrical run.

REF:  Contributors to Wikimedia projects. “Thursday Murder Club (Series).” Wikipedia, 1 Nov. 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thursday_Murder_Club_%28series%29.

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🕯️ 5. Blackmail and Bibingka — Mia P. Manansala (2024)

In Shady Palms during Christmastime, Lila Macapagal must untangle family drama and murder suspicions involving her estranged cousin — all while navigating cultural holiday traditions.

Author: Mia P. Manansala: brings a fresh, multicultural voice to cozy mysteries, blending heart with holiday spirt, family themes, and sharp sleuthing.

Tidbits: The title’s fun wordplay and inclusion of bibingka (a Filipino holiday treat) make it an especially tasty read for food-loving mystery fans! 

REF:  “Holiday Cozy Mysteries for the Festive Season.” PenguinRandomhouse.Com, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/holiday-cozy-mysteries/. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

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✨ Fun Ideas

📌 Pair each book with a themed drink — check out the drink pairings on my foodie blog.

📌 More fun for the holiday?  Pick a “mystery reading night” and invite family and friends, book club members, etc.  They'll need a blanket, string lights, their favorite warm drink, and one or more of these books!

My TOP TEN (10) Best Cozy Mysteries to Watch During the Holiday Season

Let's Have a Cozy Mystery Holiday!

Cozy mysteries are a subgenre of crime fiction that emphasizes puzzle-solving and character over graphic violence, sex, or gritty procedural elements. Their roots trace back to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction in the 1930s, with authors like Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers crafting intricate whodunits often set in intimate communities.

Here is my curated “10 Best Cozy Mystery Watchlist for the Holidays" and a suggested line-up, i.e., how to maximize your entertainment (like if you're having a watch party).  Grab your cocoa! ☕ 😀

• Start with Jessica Fletcher or Father Brown; add a pinch of Phryne Fisher glamour to your hot chocolate. Save Poirot or Orient Express for last! By then, your puzzle-solving skills will be sharpened. Many people have already seen Murder on the Orient Express”. But there are a bazillion different adaptations for film and/or television. There's even a 2015 Japanese TV adaptation — a two-night miniseries version broadcast on Fuji Television.

1. Murder, She Wrote — “A Christmas Secret” (1992)

This episode leans into pure Christmas nostalgia—small-town charity events, long-buried family secrets, and Jessica Fletcher at her warmest. It’s often cited as the most beloved holiday episode of the entire series. The episode avoids a traditional “on-screen murder,” making it gentler and more emotionally resonant than usual—perfect for viewers who want maximum coziness, minimal darkness.

2. Agatha Christie’s Poirot — “Hercule Poirot’s Christmas” (1994)

A snowbound English manor, a tyrannical patriarch, and a locked-room mystery—this episode feels like a mystery advent calendar in motion. It’s one of the few Christie stories written specifically for the holiday market, and David Suchet considered it one of Poirot’s most psychologically complex cases.

3. Father Brown — “The Star of Jacob” (2014)

A jewel theft tied to the Nativity, candlelit churches, and moral puzzles rather than graphic crime. This episode blends biblical symbolism with classic whodunit logic, making it feel like a Christmas sermon disguised as a mystery.

4. Midsomer Murders — “Ghosts of Christmas Past” (2017)

Christmas in Midsomer means carolers… and corpses. This episode balances festive décor with sharp wit and eccentric villagers. It was filmed in real historic English villages decorated by locals, giving it an unusually authentic holiday atmosphere.

5. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries — “Cocaine Blues” (2012)

While not explicitly Christmas-themed, its jazz-age glamour, champagne energy, and warm friendships make it ideal for December indulgence. Phryne Fisher’s character was intentionally written as a female fantasy figure of independence, and the TV adaptation amplified that spirit, turning her into a global cozy icon.

6. Agatha Christie’s Poirot — “The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding” (1991)

A lighter, almost playful holiday Poirot episode with country-house charm and clever misdirection. The episode adapts multiple Christie short stories into one narrative—making it a puzzle even for devoted Christie readers.

7. Aurora Teagarden Mysteries — “A Bone to Pick” (2015)

Book clubs, inherited houses, and amateur sleuthing in a quiet town—this is modern cozy comfort at its best. The fictional “Real Murders Club” is inspired by real-life mystery-reading groups that meet specifically during winter months.

8. Grantchester — Christmas Special (any season)

A vicar solving crimes during the most spiritually reflective time of year creates a gentle blend of mystery and meaning. Many Christmas episodes intentionally slow the pace, focusing on grief, forgiveness, and community—making them ideal for post-holiday viewing.

9. Agatha Christie’s Marple — “A Caribbean Mystery” (1989)

Sunshine during winter! Miss Marple solves a murder while on holiday, proving that coziness doesn’t require snow. This adaptation was filmed in locations Christie herself visited, giving the episode an unusually authentic connection to the author’s life.

10. Murder on the Orient Express (2017 Film)

A luxurious train, winter isolation, and one of the most famous endings in mystery history—perfect for New Year’s Eve viewing. The film emphasizes the moral dilemma of the ending more strongly than earlier adaptations, making it a conversation starter rather than just a whodunit.

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Where to watch? Check here for the streaming guide.

Are you ambitious? How about a book pairing for your New Year readinglist? (Map the film or series episode to the book it was adapted from.)

Classic Books to Classic Films: 6 Shirley Temple Movies Based on Books

5 Facts About Shirley Temple: The Making of a Child Star

Shirley Temple is without a doubt one of America's most beloved child actresses. Here are five little-known bio facts about her life and career before her teen years.

1. She was professionally trained. She underwent formal dance training starting at age three at the Meglin Kiddies Dance School in Los Angeles. By age four, she could execute complex tap routines on cue.

2. Her breakout role came from a short-film series called Baby Burlesks (1932–1933).

3. Her famous curls were not natural. They were painstakingly engineered by her mother, Gertrude Temple, using rag curlers nightly. Studio contracts explicitly forbade cutting or brushing them out.

4. Between 1935 and 1938, she was Fox’s top box-office draw at age 6, making her the biggest child star in history at the time.

5. She worked under conditions no longer legal: 15-hour days, six days a week.

Several Shirley Temple films were adapted from books.

Here are six (6) Shirley Temple movies that are book adaptations, which are marvelous examples.

1. Heidi(1937)

Adapted from: Heidi (1881) by Johanna Spyri

Heidi tells the story of a young orphan girl sent to live with her reclusive grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Despite his gruff exterior, Heidi’s warmth and innocence slowly soften him. Living close to nature, she befriends Peter the goatherd and thrives in the mountain environment. Her happiness is interrupted when she is taken to Frankfurt to serve as a companion to Clara, a wealthy but disabled girl. In the city, Heidi becomes desperately homesick, her health and spirit declining. Eventually, she is allowed to return to the Alps, where her joy is restored. Clara later visits Heidi and, inspired by the mountain air and Heidi’s encouragement, learns to walk. The novel emphasizes the healing power of nature, kindness, and emotional resilience.

Movie vs. Book:

The film is very close to the novel’s themes, characters, and emotional arc. Changes are mostly simplifications.

• Movie Quote: “I don’t want a lot of things. I just want to be happy.”

• Book Quote: “Wherever there is sunshine, one can find happiness.”

2. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938)

Adapted from: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1903) by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Rebecca Randall is a lively, imaginative orphan sent to live with her stern aunts in the village of Riverboro, Maine. Though her Aunt Miranda disapproves of Rebecca’s enthusiasm and creativity, Rebecca’s optimism gradually wins over the community. She excels in school, forms close friendships, and develops a love for poetry and performance. Rebecca’s kindness and perseverance help bridge the gap between tradition and individuality. Over time, even her strict aunt grows to admire her spirit. The novel is a coming-of-age story focused on self-expression, emotional intelligence, and the importance of nurturing young talent rather than suppressing it.

Movie vs. Book:

The core character remains intact, but the film adds romance, music, and a more sentimental ending.

• Movie Quote: “Things don’t happen the way you expect them to, but they happen the way they should.”

• Book Quote: “Children are different, you know. There’s no standard pattern.”

3. Captain January (1936)

Adapted from: Captain January (1890) by Laura E. Richards

Little Star is an orphan girl raised by Captain January, a retired sea captain who works as a lighthouse keeper. The two live happily by the sea until officials discover that Star has wealthy relatives searching for her. She is taken away to be raised in comfort, but without the love and freedom she once knew. Meanwhile, Captain January falls ill and loses his sight. Eventually, Star’s relatives recognize the depth of her bond with the captain and reunite them, ensuring his care and her happiness. The novel highlights emotional bonds over material wealth and explores themes of loyalty, love, and belonging.

Movie vs. Book:

The movie is largely faithful in story and tone, though softened and musicalized for Shirley Temple.

• Movie Quote: “I don’t care where I live, as long as I’m loved.”

• Book Quote: “She had been rich before, rich in love and sunshine.”

4. Curly Top (1935)

Adapted from: Daddy-Long-Legs (1912) by Jean Webster

The novel follows Jerusha Abbott, an orphan whose education is secretly funded by a mysterious benefactor she calls “Daddy-Long-Legs.” Through letters, Jerusha describes her growth, struggles, and dreams while attending college. Over time, she becomes more confident and self-aware, questioning her place in society and her relationship with her unseen patron. Eventually, she learns his identity and confronts her feelings of gratitude, independence, and love. The book is notable for its humor, social commentary, and focus on a young woman’s intellectual development.

Movie vs. Book:

Only loosely inspired by the novel; characters, age, and story structure are almost entirely changed.

• Movie Quote: “I don’t need money if I’ve got people who care.”

• Book Quote: “The only way to be happy is to make somebody else so.”

5. Wee Willie Winkie (1937)

Adapted from: Wee Willie Winkie (1888, short story/poem) by Rudyard Kipling

Kipling’s original work is a short poem and related stories set in British colonial India, focusing on duty, bravery, and imperial life. The “Wee Willie Winkie” poem describes a child enforcing bedtime rules in military barracks, symbolizing order and innocence. Kipling’s broader themes often explore courage, loyalty, and the complexities of empire, though the original material is brief and symbolic rather than narrative-driven.

Movie vs. Book:

The film expands a short poem into a full narrative—essentially an original story using only the title and theme.

• Movie Quote: “I’m not afraid. I just don’t like being brave alone.”

• Book Quote: “He went through the dark with a lantern and a song.”

6. The Little Princess (1939)

Adapted from: A Little Princess (1905) by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sara Crewe is a bright, imaginative girl sent to Miss Minchin’s boarding school in London while her wealthy father serves in India. Treated as a model pupil, Sara lives comfortably until her father dies suddenly, leaving her penniless. Miss Minchin strips Sara of her privileges and forces her to work as a servant. Despite hunger and hardship, Sara clings to her belief that “princesses” behave with kindness and dignity no matter their circumstances. Her imagination helps her survive cruelty and loneliness. Eventually, it is discovered that Sara’s father left behind a fortune administered by a friend who has been searching for her. Sara is restored to her rightful place and rewards those who showed her compassion. The novel emphasizes resilience, inner nobility, and moral strength.

Movie vs. Book:

Keeps the emotional core but significantly alters major plot points for dramatic effect.

• Movie Quote: “Even if I’m dressed in rags, I’ll still be a princess.”

• Book Quote: “Whatever comes cannot alter one thing. If I am a princess in rags, I can be a princess inside.”

My personal favorites are “Heidi” and “The Little Princess. The Shirley Temple films and/or books would make delightful additions to anyone's personal library. Paperback books are inexpensive, but the stories are priceless. 

• Click here to discover some entertainment trivia about "Heidi".

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