16 Beach-Themed Cozy Mystery Series

Ah, beach reads. What do you think of when you hear that term? For me, it's a book that's light, entertaining, and fun—the very definition of a cozy mystery. With an eye toward enjoying a few beach reads this summer, I decided to put together a list of beach-themed cozies that mix coastal settings and plenty of sunshine with suspense. I haven't read all of these personally, but all of them have been rated four stars or higher on Amazon

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1. Aloha Lagoon Mysteries

Books in Series: 27

First Book: Ukulele Murder

Set in a fictional Hawaiian resort town on Kauai, the Aloha Lagoon series offers a unique twist: every installment is written by a different author. Doesn't that sound like fun? Despite the rotating cast of writers, the books share the same tropical setting, recurring community, and lighthearted tone. Across the series, readers encounter hotel staff, residents, tourists, and local business owners who find themselves tangled in one mystery after another. The Hawaiian atmosphere is as much a character as the sleuths themselves, making this one of the most immersive tropical cozy mystery worlds available.

2. Pelican Cove Mysteries by Leena Clover

Books in Series: 18

First Book: Strawberries and Strangers

This long-running series follows Jenny King (wait! that's my name!), a middle-aged woman rebuilding her life after personal upheaval. A fresh start in a picturesque seaside town soon becomes a career in amateur sleuthing. Throughout the series, Jenny balances friendships, family relationships, romance, and a growing list of murders that seem to plague Pelican Cove. If you enjoy strong community ties, recurring characters, and plenty of bakery-inspired charm, you'll find a lot to love here.

3. Key West Food Critic Mysteries by Lucy Burdette

Books in Series: 16

First Book: An Appetite for Murder

Food, sunshine, and murder come together in this beloved series set in Key West. The books follow food critic Hayley Snow as she navigates the island’s restaurant scene while repeatedly stumbling into investigations. As the series progresses, you get an insider’s view of Key West culture, colorful local personalities, and countless culinary adventures. The combination of food writing, tropical atmosphere, and clever mysteries has made this one of the standout cozy series set in Florida.

4. Lighthouse Library Mysteries by Eva Gates

Books in Series: 13

First Book: By Book or By Crook

Book lovers and beach lovers alike will appreciate this series set in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Lucy Richardson leaves her old life behind and accepts a position at a unique library housed inside a historic lighthouse. Over the course of the series, rare books, literary events, local politics, and coastal traditions provide the backdrop for a variety of mysteries. The lighthouse setting gives these books a distinctive atmosphere that sets them apart from many other cozies.

5. Seaside Ice Cream Shop Mysteries by Angela K. Ryan

Books in Series: 12

First Book: Banana Slit

After tragedy changes the course of her life, Anna McBride opens an ice cream shop in a Massachusetts coastal town. What begins as a hopeful new chapter quickly becomes complicated by murder investigations and lingering questions about her family's past. Throughout the series, Anna develops deep ties to her community while uncovering secrets hidden beneath the town’s idyllic exterior. If you like emotional depth alongside traditional cozy elements, you're sure to enjoy this series.

6. Ms. Mia Murder Mysteries by Jennifer Branch

Books in Series: 7

First Book: Ms. Mia and Murder at the Grand Island Hotel

Imagine Miss Marple solving crimes at an exclusive island resort while sipping champagne. That’s the spirit of the Ms. Mia series. Set amid luxury accommodations, tropical scenery, and wealthy guests, these mysteries blend classic whodunits with vacation glamour. Ms. Mia's wit, curiosity, and determination drive each investigation as she uncovers secrets hidden beneath the polished surface of paradise.

7. Seaside Café Mysteries by Bree Baker

Books in Series: 7

First Book: Live and Let Chai

Set in the "charming" coastal town of Charm, North Carolina, this series follows café owner Everly Swan. After returning home to start a beachside tea shop, Everly repeatedly finds herself involved in murder investigations. The series combines Southern hospitality, family relationships, romance, and culinary delights with well-constructed mysteries. The beach-town setting and recurring cast create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that'll keep you returning for more.

8. Florida Keys Bed and Breakfast Mysteries by Danielle Collins

Books in Series: 6

First Book: Murder Mystery Book Club

Eva Stewart operates a cozy bed and breakfast in the Florida Keys alongside her entertaining pet parrot. Her love of mystery novels frequently inspires her involvement in real-life investigations. Across the series, Eva encounters suspicious guests, hidden motives, and surprising crimes while maintaining her island inn. The combination of tropical scenery, bookish references, and light humor makes this series especially appealing to those of us who love traditional cozy mysteries.

9. Death in Paradise Mysteries by Robert Thorogood

Books in Series: 4

First Book: A Meditation on Murder

Inspired by the popular television series, these mysteries take place on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. Unlike many amateur-sleuth cozies, the stories feature professional investigators tackling seemingly impossible crimes. The tropical setting provides a striking contrast to the intricate puzzle plots. If you're a fan of classic detective fiction, you'll appreciate the locked-room mysteries, clever clues, and island atmosphere.

10. Coffee Lover's Mysteries by Tara Lush

Books in Series: 4

First Book: Grounds for Murder

Former journalist Lana Lewis returns to her Florida hometown to help save her family’s beachside coffee business. Naturally, murder soon follows. The series combines café culture, coastal living, and investigative journalism as Lana uses her reporting skills to solve crimes. The Florida setting, quirky supporting characters, and strong sense of community give these books a distinctly modern cozy feel.

11. Teddy Creque Mysteries by John Keyse-Walker

Books in Series: 4

First Book: Sun, Sand, Murder

Set in the British Virgin Islands, this series follows Special Constable Teddy Creque, who serves a remote island community where serious crime is rare—or so he thinks. As the books progress, Teddy encounters increasingly complex mysteries while navigating island politics and local relationships. The Caribbean setting feels authentic and richly detailed, making these mysteries stand out among tropical crime fiction.

12. Caribbean Kitchen Mysteries by Raquel V. Reyes

Books in Series: 4

First Book: Mango, Mambo, and Murder

Food anthropologist Miriam Quiñones-Smith relocates to South Florida and unexpectedly becomes involved in a series of murders. Along the way, she juggles family life, cultural expectations, television appearances, and amateur sleuthing. I like this series because it celebrates Caribbean and Latin American food traditions while delivering engaging mysteries, diverse characters, and vibrant cultural settings.

13. Booklover's B&B Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert

Books in Series: 3

First Book: Reserved for Murder

Set in a historic North Carolina waterfront town, these mysteries revolve around a bed and breakfast designed specifically for book enthusiasts. Owner Charlotte Reed hosts literary events featuring authors, collectors, and devoted readers. Unfortunately, those gatherings often end in murder. The series combines literary themes, coastal charm, and traditional detective work, perfect for everyone who loves books about books.

14. Cookie House Mysteries by Eve Calder

Books in Series: 3

First Book: And Then There Were Crumbs

After losing both her fiancé and career, pastry chef Kate McGuire relocates to a Florida island town and starts over at a local bakery. Her fresh beginning quickly turns complicated when murder enters the picture. Throughout the series, Kate builds friendships, develops confidence, and becomes an increasingly skilled investigator. Baking, beach life, and charming community dynamics could make these books addictive.

15. Trouble in Paradise Mysteries by Carrie Doyle

Books in Series: 3

First Book: It Takes Two to Mango

Awesome title! Former magazine editor Plum Lockhart trades New York City for life on a Caribbean island, only to discover that paradise comes with plenty of problems. Working as a villa broker introduces her to wealthy clients, hidden rivalries, and deadly secrets. The series blends travel, romance, luxury real estate, and murder into a fun tropical escape filled with colorful characters and scenic settings.

16. Bermuda Mysteries by D.E. White

Books in Series: 2

First Book: Murder on Paradise Island

Newly divorced Chloe Webster moves from London to Bermuda hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she finds herself drawn into a world of art, wealth, and murder. The series combines second-chance themes with traditional cozy mystery elements, creating stories that are both entertaining and emotionally engaging. Bermuda’s beaches, culture, and close-knit community provide a memorable backdrop for each investigation.

Have I missed your favorite beachy cozy series? Share your recommendations in the comments below.

Mysteries At the Beach

One of the great pleasures of cozy mysteries is their ability to transport readers to inviting places, and few settings are more inviting than a seaside town or tropical island. That's why these series offer plenty of mysteries to solve while you enjoy a virtual—or real—beach vacation.

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