Best Cozy Animal Mysteries Books of 2025

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt is a heartwarming novel that follows the story of Tova Sullivan, a widow who works at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. After forming an unlikely connection with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, Tova discovers that Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine about her son's mysterious disappearance over thirty years ago. The novel explores themes of friendship, hope, and reckoning, making it a great read for fans of "A Man Called Ove." Overall, "Remarkably Bright Creatures" is a charming and witty debut that will leave readers both giggling and in tears."

City of Dreams is the second novel in an epic crime trilogy from Don Winslow, the bestselling author of the Cartel trilogy. Following the events of City on Fire, Danny Ryan is now on the run with his family and the remains of his loyal crew of soldiers. When the Feds track him down, they offer him a dangerous favor that could either make him rich or kill him. Meanwhile, Hollywood starts shooting a film based on his former life, and Danny demands a piece of the action. As their worlds collide, Danny must fight for his life in a city where dreams are born or where they go to die. Winslow's writing is sharp, funny, and brilliant in this sweeping saga of family, love, revenge, survival, and the fierce reality behind the dream.

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman is the fourth installment in the popular Thursday Murder Club series. The book follows the gang as they investigate a dangerous package that goes missing on Boxing Day, leading to a rising body count and their most deadly opponents yet. The characters are well-formed and the camaraderie among them is admirable. Osman has crafted a satisfyingly complex whodunit full of neat twists and turns. The book is heartwarming, enthralling, and a remarkable achievement. It is an engaging addition to the cozy animal mysteries genre and highly recommended for anyone who loves a good mystery.

Independence Square: Arkady Renko in Ukraine is the tenth installment in the Arkady Renko Novels series, written by Martin Cruz Smith. In this book, detective Arkady Renko travels to Ukraine to find an anti-Putin activist who has gone missing just before the Russian invasion. Despite grappling with his Parkinson's diagnosis, Renko throws himself into the case, leading him to Kyiv and eventually Crimea. Smith's portrayal of contemporary Russia is insightful and compelling, making this book a must-read for fans of detective fiction and political thrillers.

Dressed to Drill by Kate Carlisle is the latest addition to the Fixer-Upper Mystery series. In this book, contractor Shannon Hammer finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery when a body is discovered on the premises of an old church that she is renovating. As Shannon and her crew work to restore the building, they uncover century-old secrets and more recent ones that someone is willing to kill for. With her boyfriend, Mac, by her side, Shannon uses all her skills to uncover the truth. Kate Carlisle's writing brings the California coast to life, and her attention to detail makes her books stand out. Dressed to Drill is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries.

Dedication to Murder (A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery) by Lauren Elliot is a delightful addition to the Women Sleuths Books category. The story follows Addie Greyborne, the owner of Beyond the Page Books and Curios, who discovers a rare collection of classic children's books in her attic, including a first edition of The Velveteen Rabbit. This discovery leads to startling revelations about her family's past and a complex mystery that needs to be solved. With an enjoyable cast of characters, literary allusions, and a quirky heroine, this wintertime mystery is a perfect read to curl up with hot cocoa on the sofa.

In "Fixit: An IQ Novel (An IQ Novel, 6)," Joe Ide delivers another thrilling installment in the series. Isaiah Quintabe, the determined PI, finds himself in a nightmare when the love of his life is kidnapped by a hitman seeking revenge. As Isaiah recovers from his injuries, he must navigate the dangerous landscape of Los Angeles to rescue Grace. The addition of Winnie Hando, a homicide detective, adds a new layer of tension to the story. Ide expertly weaves together humor and suspense in this explosive collision of drug dealers, thieves, and maniacs. "Fixit" is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

The Secret, Book, and Scone Society is back with another cozy mystery, Paper Cuts. Nora Pennington, the bookstore owner and bibliotherapist, finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation after her ex-husband's new partner is killed. As Nora and her friends from The Secret, Book, and Scone Society try to clear her name, they stumble upon more secrets and a long-forgotten past that threatens to unravel their town. Kirkus Reviews praises the book for its "red herrings" and tips on choosing books. The mix of magical realism and mystery makes Paper Cuts a delightful read for fans of the genre.

An English Garden Murder: A utterly addictive English cozy mystery (Julia Bird Mysteries) by Katie Gayle is a charming and captivating read. Julia Bird, a retiree who moves to a picturesque Cotswold village, finds herself in the middle of a baffling mystery when she unearths the body of a young woman buried for decades. With only one copper on the case, Julia decides to solve the whodunnit herself, but soon realizes that everyone in the village has something to hide. This page-turning cozy mystery is perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin, and Betty Rowlands. Overall, it's a delightful and entertaining read that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow is a gritty and explosive novel that takes readers deep into the world of drug trade, corruption, and revenge. Set before The Cartel, the story follows an obsessive DEA agent, drug empire heirs, a teenage prostitute, a Catholic priest, and a hitman, all trapped in the world of the Mexican drug Federación. Winslow's writing is passionate, unapologetic, and unquestionably authentic, making this an express train of a thriller that cannot be put down. The book burns with rage at the flawed U.S. war on drugs and is thought-provoking in its exploration of drug enforcement agents and drug dealers. Overall, this is an excellent read that is well worth your time.