Dogs are man’s best friend but you might be surprised that cats are cozy mysteries’ best friend.
While not literally, it’s clear the cozy mystery genre isn’t afraid to feature a feline or two within its pages. As someone who is primarily a romance reader, I do dabble in the cozy mystery realm every once in a while.
Even though I haven’t read all of these, I wanted to spotlight some cozy mysteries featuring cats as part of the story. To me, there is something so cozy about cats being part of any story including a cozy mystery. Regardless of which animal, it’s clear pets are here to stay when it comes to this genre.
As I said, these are just going to be a few for those who are trying to dip their toe into the genre or just want something focusing on an interest they already have. If you’re a cat lover such as myself, then these cozy mysteries might end up next on your to-be-read pile.
These cozy mysteries all feature a cat for those looking for some feline fun.
If you’re a cozy mystery fan, most of these cat books might look familiar to you but if you’re not, then you’re in for a treat. Regardless, I’d love to know if you have any recommendations for cozy mysteries with cats featured within the story or as part of the plot.
1. Wish You Were Here: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery by Rita Mae Brown
I’d be remiss to start off with anything other than this series. This is Rita Mae Brown’s Mrs. Murphy series which is now on its 31st book and honestly, I applaud that. There is a reason why this series is so beloved and it’s that this book is told from the cat’s perspective. Honestly, I haven’t ever seen a book try to tackle this yet there’s a reason why this series is still beloved all of these years later.
Obviously, I’d recommend starting with Wish You Were Here but most of the time, these series can be read as a standalone. No matter which route you decide to take, these should be easy to find as this series first began publishing in the 90s so this one might be a good one to scope out at the library.
2. Curiosity Thrilled the Cat (A Magical Cats Mystery) by Sofie Kelly
Moving onto a more modern title, the cozy mystery we’re talking about next is Curiosity Thrilled the Cat which is the first book in the Magical Cats Mystery series. This one follows a librarian who gets embroiled in a murder but ends up using her cats to help prove her innocence. Then again, it might be because these cats are magical.
With names like Owen and Hercules, that shouldn’t come as any surprise. This series actually began publishing in 2011 so it’s a bit more recent than the previous one. This one is also an ongoing series with the next book poised to be released in October 2023.
3. The Cat Who Could Read Backward (The Cat Who) by Lilian Jackson Braun
Back to another earlier title in the cat cozy mystery realm, this one actually began publishing in the late 60s. The series follows Jim Qwilleran who is a reporter turned amateur sleuth (aren’t they always?) and his partner-in-crime, Koko. However, unlike a normal partner, Koko is actually a Siamese cat and has more than his paws full following and helping Qwilleran.
This is another series that’s pretty long and is completed as the author has passed away at this point. Once again with these earlier series, they’re pretty easy to find at libraries or thrift stores if you’re planning to pick them up. I feel like there is something to be said about these classic cozy mysteries with a cat at the helm, too.
4. Murder Past Due (Cat In The Stacks Mystery) by Miranda James
Moving onto the final cozy mystery series, we’re talking about Murder Past Due which is the first book in the Cat In The Stacks mystery series. This series began in 2010 and this one follows Charlie and Diesel who team up together to find the killer of Godfrey who no one in town seems to like.
To me, there is something to be said about the fact that Diesel is a Maine Coon cat which we rarely see in the media. This is another ongoing series so you should have time to catch up before the next book releases in June 2023. Either way, this is a good one to start if you’re looking for an ongoing series to add to your list.
5. Crazy Stupid Bromance (The Bromance Book Club) by Lyssa Kay Adams
Since I’m primarily a romance reader, I had to feature at least one romance book with a cat either on the cover or inside the book. Crazy Stupid Bromance has both as it features a romance between a computer security guy and a cat-cafe owner who start off as best friends. After a little pressure from friends, the two finally give in to their attraction.
However, Alexis ends up finding out about her long-lost father and how she might be able to help him which brings an entirely new set of problems. Even so, this book is a romance so these characters get their happily ever after. If you’re just there for the cats, you’ll be happy to know the cat cafe is called “ToeBeans.” Even though there might not be a mystery, the story has that going for it.
All in all, I feel like this is a good selection of books featuring a cat or with cats on the cover. Of course, I couldn’t feature all of them so I’d like to know if you have any recommendations!