41 Best Cozy Cat Mysteries That’ll Have You Purring 2023

Are you a cat lover who loves to curl up with a good book? Are mysteries with cats a favourite read?

If so, then cozy cat mysteries should be added to your must-read list. These delightful mysteries combine the intrigue of traditional whodunnits and crime thrillers with an extra dose of feline warmth and charm.

From quirky cat sleuths to crafty felines, more than a few furry friends will charm their way into your heart while you try and figure out just who is behind each crime. To help get you started, we’ve rounded up some of the best cozy cat mysteries for you to read.

But first

What are cozy cat mysteries?

Cozy Cat Mysteries are an offshoot of the traditional Cozy Mystery genre. They focus on gentle, low-stake stories that rely more on character interaction and puzzle-solving than violence or suspense. In this context, cats often take a starring role in solving crimes or weaving their way into the lives of amateur sleuths.

You also find other cozy mysteries here.

Is the cat always the amateur sleuth?

Not always! While cats are often amateur sleuths, they can also be companions to other protagonists. For example, in The Complete Catastrophes by C T Mitchell, the cat Miss Coco assists the main character, Taylor Mitchell, a photographer who is trying to solve local mysteries. So even if you don’t want to read about cats solving crimes, you can still find plenty of stories featuring cats in other roles.

Are cozy cat mystery books popular?

Absolutely! Cozy Cat Mysteries are an increasingly popular sub-genre. Many cozy mysteries feature cats as side characters, protagonists or even field agents for solving puzzles. This cat-friendly trend has taken off over the past decade, and more publishers are releasing titles in this genre every year.

Can you read a cozy cat mystery book as a short read or in a box set?

Yes, you can! Many cozy cat mysteries come in short story form or as part of a box set. Short stories often focus on the mystery and introduce readers to some of the best-known feline sleuths, while box sets are an ideal way to explore multiple stories with one purchase.

Now, onto the best cozy cat mysteries for 2023!

Here’s the cozy mystery authors list and look at cozy mysteries with cats.

Complete Catastrophes by C T Mitchell

 

This humorous whodunnit follows Taylor Mitchell, a photographer trying to get to the bottom of an inheritance mystery. Along for the ride is Miss Coco, a wise-talking cat who keeps her human on their toes. Read a single book or the whole cozy cat mystery series.

The Cat Who Talked Turkey by Lillian Jackson Braun:

A classic from the beloved Cat Who series, this book follows Jim Qwilleran and his feline sidekicks Koko and Yum Yum on their investigation into the death of a turkey farmer.

Meow for Murder by Krista Davis:

In this charming tale, domestic goddess Madame Puddifoot is framed for killing her cat sitter in an attempt to cover up a crime. It’s up to Puddifoot and her sidekick cat, Biscuit, to prove her innocence!

Paw Prints in the Moonlight by Cynthia Riggs:

Set on Martha’s Vineyard, this series follows Victoria Trumbull as she investigates an arson case with the help of her beloved cat, Tinker.

The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal by Lilian Jackson Braun:

Another entry from the classic Cat Who series, this book follows journalist Jim Qwilleran and his cats Koko and Yum Yum on their investigations into a murder at an art museum.

Gently Catnap by Alan Bradley:

In this delightful mystery, amateur sleuth Flavia de Luce teams up with her cat, Gladys, to investigate a murder at an English village fete.

The Cat, the Collector and the Killer by Miranda James:

When a rare book collector is murdered, his cats become the prime suspects. It’s up to Charlie Harris and Diesel, his Maine coon cat companion, to solve the crime.

The Cat, the Professor and the Poison by Miranda James:

 

When a professor is found dead in his office, Charlie Harris and Diesel must once again team up to solve the murder.

Whiskers of Doom by Sofie Ryan:

Sofie Ryan’s series follow Sarah Grayson, an animal shelter volunteer who teams up with her mischievous cat Elvis to solve local mysteries.

A Midwife’s Tale of Two Kitties by Jane Jago

Midwife Molly Appleby and her cats, Pippin and Tippin, must investigate an outbreak of mysterious illnesses in a small English village.

Cat Got Your Secrets by Miranda James:

When librarian Charlie Harris adopts two kittens from the library’s “Cat Napping Corner,” he gets more than he bargained for. With the help of Diesel, his Maine Coon cat companion, Charlie must solve a murder in order to protect the cats and clear their names.

Kitty Cornered by Rita Mae Brown:

In this fun mystery, postmistress Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen and her cats, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, must solve a series of thefts in their small Virginia town.

Cat with the Emerald Eyes by Carole Nelson Douglas:

The fourth book in the Midnight Louie series follows private eye Temple Barr and her cats, Midnight Louie and Miss Midnight Louise, on their pursuit of a series of art thefts.

Cat’s Paw by Rita Mae Brown:

When postmistress Harry Haristeen’s cats, Pewter and Mrs. Murphy discover a body in the woods, it’s up to them (with some help from their human friends) to solve the murder.

Cat of a Different Color by Rita Mae Brown:

When postmistress Harry Haristeen’s cats, Pewter and Mrs. Murphy discover a body in the woods, it’s up to them (with some help from their human friends) to solve the murder.

Cat Got Your Cash by Sofie Ryan:

 

In this entry of the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson and her cat Elvis must work together to solve a missing cash mystery before it’s too late.

The Cat Who Went Into the Closet by Lilian Jackson Braun:

When journalist Jim Qwilleran and his cats, Koko and Yum Yum, investigate a series of disappearances in the small town of Pickax, they soon discover that they’re not dealing with ordinary crimes.

Cat Got Your Diamonds by Sofie Ryan:

In this thrilling installment of the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson must team up with her cat Elvis to find a missing diamond necklace before it’s too late.

The Cat Who Saw Stars by Lilian Jackson Braun:

In this instalment of the beloved Cat Who series, journalist Jim Qwilleran and his cats Koko and Yum Yum investigate a string of strange deaths in Pickax. Could they be linked to a local astronomical observatory?

Cat in the Dark by Rita Mae Brown:

When postmistress Harry Haristeen’s cats, Pewter and Mrs. Murphy discover a body in the woods, it’s up to them (with some help from their human friends) to solve the murder.

Cat Among Pigeons by Jill Paton Walsh:

When a murder occurs at an all-girls boarding school, it’s up to housemistress Miss Emily Grey and her cat, Tibby, to investigate.

Cat O’Nine Tales by Jeffrey Archer:

In this thrilling novel, three separate stories intertwine as a mysterious cat leads its human counterparts down a path of intrigue and danger.

Cat’s Cradle by Amanda Flower:

When the owner of April Springs’ pet store is found murdered, it’s up to librarian Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat Diesel to investigate and find out who was responsible for the crime. With the help of Diesel’s sleuthing instincts, Charlie must find a way to solve the case before it’s too late.

Cat Got Your Tongue by Sofie Ryan:

In this exciting instalment in the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson and her cat Elvis must investigate a mysterious disappearance that ties back to an old family secret. Can they unravel the mystery and save the day before it’s too late?

Cat’s Meow by Rita Mae Brown:

 

When postmistress Harry Haristeen’s cats, Pewter and Mrs. Murphy discover a body in the woods near their small Virginia town, it’s up to them (with some help from their human friends) to solve the murder and clear their names. Can they figure out who committed the crime before it’s too late?

Cat Got Your Secrets by Sofie Ryan:

In this instalment of the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson and her cat Elvis must investigate a mysterious disappearance that ties back to an old family secret. With the help of Elvis’ sleuthing abilities, Sarah must unravel the mystery before it’s too late.

Cat Got Your Heart by Sofie Ryan:

In this heartwarming instalment of the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson and her cat Elvis must figure out who stole an heirloom necklace and put their friendship to the test. Can they find the thief and save their friendship in time?

Cat Got Your Back by Sofie Ryan:

In this final instalment of the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson and her cat Elvis must join forces one last time to save a friend from danger. With the help of Elvis’ sleuthing skills, will they be able to solve the mystery and save the day?

Cat Got Your Soul by Sofie Ryan:

In this spin-off novel of the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson must team up with her cat Elvis to battle an ancient evil that has been unleashed on their small town. Can they defeat the forces of darkness and restore peace to the town before it’s too late?

Cat Got Your Clues by Sofie Ryan:

In this thrilling instalment of the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson and her cat Elvis must investigate a series of strange disappearances in their small town. With the help of Elvis’ sleuthing abilities, will they be able to uncover the truth and save the day?

Cat Got Your Mind by Sofie Ryan:

In this spine-tingling instalment of the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson and her cat Elvis must investigate a strange new drug that has been turning people into mindless drones. Can they figure out who is behind it and put a stop to it before it’s too late?

Cat Got Your Tail by Sofie Ryan:

In this action-packed instalment of the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson and her cat Elvis must race against time to save their town from an evil plot. With the help of Elvis’ feline intuition, will they be able to uncover the truth and put an end to the danger before it’s too late?

Cat Got Your Number by Sofie Ryan:

In this captivating instalment of the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson and her cat Elvis must investigate a string of mysterious phone calls that threaten their town’s safety. Can they find out who is behind it and put a stop to it before the town falls into chaos?

Cat Got Your Crown by Sofie Ryan:

In this thrilling instalment of the Second Chance Cat series, Sarah Grayson and her cat Elvis must unravel an ancient mystery that reveals a powerful artefact that could change the fate of their small town.

Purrfectly Cozy: A Cat Cafe Mystery by Melissa Delport

When a murder strikes a local cat cafe, suspicious circumstances lead postmistress Harry Haristeen and her cats, Pewter and Mrs. Murphy to investigate. Can they solve the case before their small town is changed forever? With clues from the cats, will they be able to put a stop to the killer’s plot before it’s too late?

Catastrophic Consequences by Melissa Delport

In this second book of the Cat Cafe Mystery series, Harry Haristeen and her cats must investigate a mysterious virus that is turning their small town upside down. With the help of Pewter and Mrs. Murphy, will they be able to save the day before it’s too late?

Catastrophic Clues by Melissa Delport

In this third book of the Cat Cafe Mystery series, Harry Haristeen and her cats must figure out who has been manipulating the town’s election. With clues from the cats, will they be able to put a stop to the fiend’s plan before it’s too late?

Catastrophic Conspiracy by Melissa Delport

In this fourth book of the Cat Cafe Mystery series, Harry Haristeen and her cats must investigate a strange cult that has been gaining power in their small town. With help from Pewter and Mrs. Murphy’s feline intuition, will they be able to put a stop to the cult’s plans before it’s too late?

Catastrophic Crime by Melissa Delport

In this fifth book of the Cat Cafe Mystery series, Harry Haristeen and her cats must investigate a mysterious crime that has been plaguing their small town. With the help of Pewter and Mrs. Murphy’s sharp minds, will they be able to solve the case before it’s too late?

Catastrophic Conundrum by Melissa Delport

In this sixth book of the Cat Cafe Mystery series, Harry Haristeen and her cats must investigate a strange force that has been wreaking havoc on their small town. With clues from the cats, will they be able to uncover the truth and put an end to the chaos before it’s too late?

Catclusion

If you’re looking for a relaxing and entertaining read, then 2023 is the time to pick up one of C T Mitchell’s cozy cat mysteries.

Combining amateur sleuthing with the lovable charm of cats, these books offer a delightful break from daily life.

Whether uncovering secrets alongside Taylor Mitchell or snuggling up with Miss Coco, there’s always a surprise hidden away in each book. So why wait?

Grab your favourite cozy cat mystery today and let yourself get lost in free-spirited fun.

You never know what new revelations you might uncover! The world of cozy mysteries has something for everyone, so take the time to explore C T Mitchell’s unique corner of it – you won’t be disappointed.

Hope you loved these mysteries with cats feature.

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