Join me on a literary journey around the world as I delve into the captivating realm of cozy mysteries set in diverse corners of the globe.
In Asia, we journey from the vibrant streets of India to the tropical landscapes of Sri Lanka and the bustling cityscape of Singapore. Next, let’s explore various locations in Europe, ranging from the glaciers of Iceland to sun-drenched allure of Italy and ancient mysteries amidst the sands of Egypt. Finally, our last two stops take us to the sweeping savannas of Botswana and the wild plains of Kenya, serving as a grand finale to our globetrotting virtual adventure through the pages of these charmingly cozy mysteries.
As we travel across three continents through the lens of cozy mystery, let’s unlock the secrets and culture nuances that make each setting a rich backdrop for thrilling and heart-warming tales.
In this blog post, I have curated a list of 8 series that promise to whisk you away to intriguing locales, each with its own distinctive flavor of mystery and charm. Without further ado, let’s jet set fly…
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#1: Singaporean Mysteries by Ovidia Yu
Setting: Singapore
Set in Singapore, the Aunty Lee Mystery series centers around Rosie “Aunty” Lee, an inquisitive elderly Peranakan widow who, instead of embracing a life of leisure after her husband’s death, opens Aunty Lee’s Delights—a café and catering business on the resort island of Sentosa, specializing in Peranakan dishes.
Described as open-minded and intelligent, Aunty Lee’s character delves into solving mysteries while offering insights into themes of love, friendship, and home cooking in Singapore. The series provides a fascinating portrayal of a society where wealth flows freely, and people of diverse religions and ethnicities coexist harmoniously, yet tensions simmer beneath the surface.
#2: Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery Series by T.A. Williams
Setting: Italy
The Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series, crafted by T.A. Williams, unfolds its captivating tales amidst the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany. Anchored by retired DCI Dan Armstrong and his loyal Labrador, Oscar, each book introduces a fresh mystery against the backdrop of Italy’s picturesque charm.
The series has garnered acclaim for seamlessly weaving together character dynamics, setting, and plot, making it an enjoyable choice for fans of cozy mysteries. Beyond the art of solving crimes, the narrative delves into the exploration of Italy’s scenic beauty, the interplay between characters, and the personal evolution of Armstrong during his retirement. It’s a delightful fusion of mystery, breath-taking scenery, and character development.
#3: No.1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Setting: Botswana
The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith unfolds in the heart of Botswana, featuring the insightful and resilient Mma Precious Ramotswe. The series takes its name from the inaugural novel published in 1998, where Mma Ramotswe establishes her detective agency in Gaborone, utilizing her father’s inheritance to acquire a home and an office.
Emphasizing the belief that understanding people is essential for solving their problems, Mma Ramotswe navigates a series of captivating adventures, seamlessly blending the intricacies of diverse characters with the art of unraveling mysteries. The novels, interconnected and translated into multiple languages, also found adaptations in radio and television.
#4:Kenya Kanga Mysteries by Victoria Tait
Setting: Kenya
The Kenya Kanga Mystery series, penned by Victoria Tait, constitutes a charming collection of cozy mysteries nestled in the vibrant landscapes of Kenya. Centered around the character ‘Mama Rose’ Hardie, a dedicated community vet with a fervor for elephant conservation in her homeland, each book not only weaves an intriguing mystery but also showcases the enchanting facets and challenges of life in Kenya.
The tenacious female sleuth, Mama Rose, leads a colorful yet authentic team of allies, infusing the narratives with humor and occasional moments that tug at your heartstrings.
#5: The Baby Ganesh Agency Investigations by Vaseem Khan
Setting: India
The bestselling Baby Ganesh Agency Investigation series by Vaseem Khan introduces Ashwin Chopra, a retired Mumbai police inspector, and his unconventional sidekick, Ganesha—a baby elephant. The series kicks off with Chopra’s retirement, thrusting him into a compelling investigation of a suspicious drowning, all while navigating resistance from those determined to keep the truth hidden.
Gifted an unexpected companion—a baby elephant named Ganesha—from his long-lost uncle, Chopra and Ganesha form an unlikely duo, solving crimes across diverse regions of India. Beyond its gripping mysteries, the series serves as a cultural journey, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and flavors that define modern India through Vaseem Khan’s vivid descriptions.
#6: The Inspector de Silva Mysteries by Harriet Steele
Setting: Sri Lanka
Harriet Steel’s Inspector de Silva Mysteries, also known as the Nuala series, unfolds in the 1930s within the fictional town of Nuala, situated in the British colony of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). The series centers around Inspector Shanti de Silva, who moved from the bustling city in pursuit of a tranquil life. Yet, his serenity is frequently disrupted by a series of mysteries and crimes that demand his resolution.
With thirteen books to its credit, the series seamlessly intertwines captivating mysteries with insights into the colonial history and rich culture of Ceylon. Praised for its harmonious blend of character, setting, and plot, the Inspector de Silva Mysteries offer mystery enthusiasts an engaging and culturally immersive reading experience.
#7: Travel Can be Murder by Jennifer S. Alderson
Setting: Various locations across Europe
Jennifer S. Alderson’s Travel Can Be Murder series unfolds a collection of cozy mystery novels with Lana Hansen as its central character, a tour guide entangled in murder mysteries across various destinations. Beginning with Death on the Danube: A New Year’s Murder in Budapest, Lana unravels the secrets of a deceased man named Carl, with each subsequent book introducing a fresh mystery in different locales.
From Death by Baguette: A Valentine’s Day Murder in Paris to Death by Windmill: A Mother’s Day Murder in Amsterdam, and Death by Puffin: A Bachelorette Party Murder in Reykjavik, Lana navigates murder investigations during themed tours. Currently spanning nine books, each set in a different location, the series seamlessly blends mystery-solving with cultural exploration, offering an engaging read for enthusiasts of both mystery and travel genres.
#8: Amelia Peabody Mysteries by Elizabeth Peters
Setting: Egypt
The Amelia Peabody Mysteries, crafted by Egyptologist Barbara Mertz under the pen name Elizabeth Peters, unfold as a captivating historical mystery series with an unconventional female Egyptologist, Amelia Peabody Emerson, at its center. Beginning with Crocodile on the Sandbank in 1884 England, the series embarks on a global journey as Amelia inherits a fortune, forging friendships, and encountering love in the form of Egyptologists Radcliffe and Walter Emerson. Balancing mystery, romance, and wry comedy, the series spans twenty novels, published from 1975 to 2010, with the final installment posthumously completed by Joan Hess in 2017.
Amelia’s adventures oscillate between England and Egypt, her family growing with the addition of son Ramses. The narrative’s delightful blend of genres, including occasional parodies of Victorian-era adventure novels, has cemented the series as a timeless and engaging exploration of historical intrigue and personal relationships.
I trust this globetrotting expedition through enchanting cozy mysteries has transported you to vibrant streets, bustling cityscapes, and wild landscapes, revealing a myriad of cultural nuances and secrets. The carefully curated list of 8 series served as a literary passport, showcasing that cozy mysteries are not only captivating whodunnits but also delightful windows into the diverse beauty of our world. May these tales continue to be your companions, inviting you to embark on many more literary adventures.
The Book Decoder 
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