27 Must-Read Cozy Series Set in the Jazz Age

Ladies in fringed dresses dancing the Charleston, Jelly Roll Morton filling the world with jazz, and secret speakeasies serving up gin. When I think of the Roaring 20s, I think of millions of people worldwide trying to escape the fears and stresses of the day in a never-ending party.

But the truth is, there was much to fear. The world had just engaged in a war like no other before it, the Great Depression bankrupted millions of people, and social change swept through entire nations.

Put all that together with the glamour and danger of the decade and you’ve got an ideal setting for some highly entertaining cozy mysteries. In fact, Maia Chance’s Come Hell or Highball was the first cozy I ever read, and from then on, I was hooked. You’re sure to find something that piques your interest on this comprehensive list.

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Long-Time Mystery Series

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries by Kerry Greenwood

Books in the Series: 23

First Book in the Series: Cocaine Blues

The unforgettable Phryne Fisher is a wealthy, glamorous, and fiercely independent sleuth who solves crimes in 1920s Melbourne. Armed with intelligence, confidence, and impeccable style, she investigates murders ranging from society scandals to organized crime. The series is beloved for its strong heroine, richly realized historical setting, and blend of adventure, romance, and mystery. It made a great television series too!

Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries by Carola Dunn

Books in the Series: 23

First Book in the Series: Death at Wentwater Court

The Honorable Daisy Dalrymple is a spirited young woman who frequently finds herself investigating murders in 1920s England. Joined by Detective Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher, Daisy uncovers crimes in country houses, villages, and fashionable resorts. The series is a favorite among historical cozy mystery readers for its charm, humor, and period detail.

Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery Series by Alice Duncan

Books in the Series: 21

First Book in the Series: Strong Spirits

Daisy Gumm Majesty mysteries offer something a little different. She’s a spiritualist in 1920s California who supplements her income by conducting séances—while secretly helping solve crimes. Assisted by a colorful cast of family and friends, Daisy investigates murders and mysteries with humor, compassion, and determination.

Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries by Colette Clark

Books in the Series: 18

First Book in the Series: A Murder on Long Island

Penelope Banks uses her intelligence, determination, and social connections to solve murders during the Roaring Twenties. Set amid the wealth and glamour of Long Island society, the series explores hidden motives, family secrets, and deadly ambitions lurking beneath polished appearances.

The Camille Divine Murder Mysteries by Camille Minichino

Books in the Series: 18

First Book in the Series: The Christmas Tree Murders

Camille Divine is a spirited mystery writer who finds herself solving real-life murders in the glamorous yet dangerous world of the late 1920s. Set against a backdrop of speakeasies, lavish parties, and small-town intrigue, the series blends traditional detective fiction with richly detailed historical settings. Each installment offers clever puzzles, colorful characters, and plenty of Jazz Age atmosphere.

Dandy Gilver Mysteries by Catriona McPherson

Books in the Series: 16

First Book in the Series: After the Armistice Ball

Here’s a clever series that offers interesting mysteries, humor, and vivid period detail. Dandy Gilver, an upper-class Scottish woman with a sharp mind and an appetite for adventure, becomes an unofficial private investigator in post-World War I Scotland. As she tackles murders in country houses, villages, and aristocratic circles, she uncovers secrets hidden beneath respectable surfaces.

Blotto, Twinks Mysteries by Simon Brett

Books in the Series: 13

First Book in the Series: Blotto, Twinks and the Ex-King’s Daughter

You’re sure to enjoy this affectionate parody of Golden Age detective fiction. Set in the Jazz Age, these humorous mysteries follow dim-witted aristocrat Blotto and his brilliant sister Twinks as they investigate crimes that baffle everyone else. Their adventures take them from country estates to luxury hotels while they encounter kidnappings, murders, and political intrigue.

Kate Shackleton Mystery Series by Frances Brody

Books in the Series: 13

First Book in the Series: Dying in the Wool

Widowed after World War I, Kate Shackleton turns her sharp observational skills into a career as a private investigator in Yorkshire. Whether searching for missing persons or solving murders, she encounters complex puzzles and memorable characters. The series combines strong historical detail with thoughtful, character-driven mysteries.

Philo Vance Mysteries by S.S. Van Dine

Books in the Series: 12

First Book in the Series: The Benson Murder Case

One of the great detective series actually written in the Golden Age, these novels feature sophisticated amateur sleuth Philo Vance, whose intelligence, cultural knowledge, and powers of deduction help solve seemingly impossible crimes. Set largely among New York's wealthy elite, the books helped define the classic puzzle mystery.

Jack Haldean Mysteries by Dolores Gordon-Smith

Books in the Series: 11

First Book in the Series: A Fete Worse Than Death

Former World War I pilot Jack Haldean uses his keen intellect to solve murders among England's upper classes during the 1920s. The series features classic country-house mysteries, intricate plots, and a memorable amateur detective.

Mercy Alcutt Mystery Series by Alice Duncan

Books in the Series: 10

First Book in the Series: Lost Among the Angels

Set in early twentieth-century Los Angeles, the series follows Mercy Alcutt as she becomes involved in mysteries that expose the city's growing pains and hidden dangers. With strong historical atmosphere and engaging characters, the books blend traditional mystery with social history.

The Dora and Rex Mysteries by Lynn Morrison

Books in the Series: 8

First Book in the Series: Murder, I Spy

Set in England, this charming historical mystery series follows Dora Fitz-Pennington, an adventurous young woman with a knack for stumbling into trouble, and her loyal companion Rex, a former intelligence officer. Together they investigate murders, espionage, and high-society scandals while navigating the glamour and social upheaval of the Jazz Age. Try this series if you’re looking for some witty banter and a touch of romance.

Jade del Cameron Mystery Series by Suzanne Arruda

Books in the Series: 7

First Book in the Series: Mark of the Lion

Here’s an unusual setting for you. Set in Africa, the series follows adventurer and photojournalist Jade del Cameron as she travels across the continent investigating mysterious deaths and dangerous conspiracies. Featuring exotic locales and historical adventure, the novels evoke the spirit of classic safari stories while featuring a capable and independent heroine.

Jazz Age Mysteries by Ellen Mansoor Collier

Books in the Series: 5

First Book in the Series: Flappers, Flasks, and Foul Play

The series follows feisty flapper Jasmine Webb as she investigates murders and scandals in the colorful world of Galveston, Texas. From bootleggers and gangsters to high-society secrets, Jasmine encounters danger while uncovering the truth behind each crime. The books offer lively characters, humor, and plenty of Jazz Age charm.

Newer and Smaller Cozy Mystery Series

Lady Adelaide Mysteries by Maggie Robinson

Books in the Series: 4

First Book in the Series: Nobody’s Sweetheart Now

After inheriting an unexpected fortune, Lady Adelaide Compton leaves behind her former life and embraces new adventures in England. Along the way she becomes involved in murder investigations that reveal hidden secrets among the upper classes. Romance and humor make these reads even more engaging.

Harlem Renaissance Mysteries by Nekesa Afia

Books in the Series: 4

First Book in the Series: Dead Dead Girls

Louise Lloyd is a young Black woman navigating the vibrant cultural scene of Harlem while becoming involved in dangerous murder investigations. As she searches for killers targeting members of her community, she confronts issues of race, class, and identity. Richly atmospheric and emotionally compelling, the series brings the Harlem Renaissance vividly to life.

Discreet Retrieval Agency Mysteries by Maia Chance

Books in the Series: 4

First Book in the Series: Come Hell or Highball

Set in the Prohibition era, this funny, entertaining series follows Lola Woodby, a former socialite whose life changes dramatically after scandal leaves her nearly penniless. Teaming up with her loyal maid Berta, Lola becomes involved in investigations that mix murder, humor, and plenty of Jazz Age glamour.

Dassas Cormier Mystery Series by S.H. Baker

Books in the Series: 4

First Book in the Series: Murder in Marshall's Bayou

Dassas Cormier investigates murders in Louisiana, where family loyalties, local traditions, and long-hidden secrets complicate every case. Rich in Southern atmosphere and historical detail, the series features small-town intrigue.

Roaring Twenties Mysteries by Mary Miley

Books in the Series: 3

First Book in the Series: Renting Silence

Silent-film actress Jessie Beckett investigates murders while navigating the glamorous but ruthless world of early Hollywood. Drawing on the history of filmmaking, the series will give you engaging mysteries with fascinating behind-the-scenes details from the silent film era.

Lady Marigold’s Murder Mysteries by Marion Chesney

Books in the Series: 3

First Book in the Series: A Roaring Murder

Lady Marigold is a resourceful aristocrat whose curiosity repeatedly leads her into murder investigations during the Jazz Age. Filled with witty dialogue, colorful characters, and classic mystery elements, the series captures the spirit of traditional historical whodunits. To the manor born!

Algonquin Round Table Mysteries by J.J. Murphy

Books in the Series: 3

First Book in the Series: Murder Your Darlings

Real-life literary figures including Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, and their famous friends become amateur sleuths in these entertaining mysteries. Set in New York, the series blends historical fact with fictional murder investigations and plenty of literary wit—just what the Round Table was known for.

Bedford Green Mysteries by Michael Kilian

Books in the Series: 3

First Book in the Series: The Weeping Woman

Set in Chicago, the series follows reporter Wesley Farrell and socialite-turned-investigator Cynthia Cooper as they uncover murders and political corruption. Their investigations take them through the city's glamorous and dangerous underworld, creating a compelling atmosphere of suspense.

Dorothy Parker Mystery Series by Agata Stanford

Books in the Series: 3

First Book in the Series: The Broadway Murders

Another series starring the legendary writer Dorothy Parker as an amateur detective in these clever historical mysteries set amid New York's literary and theatrical circles. As she investigates murders involving actors, writers, and socialites, Parker's famous wit and sharp observations prove invaluable in uncovering the truth.

The Speakeasy Murders by Susanna Calkins

Books in the Series: 2

First Book in the Series: Murder Knocks Twice

Focused on Chicago during Prohibition, this series follows Gina Ricci, a determined young woman who becomes embroiled in murder investigations connected to speakeasies, organized crime, and family loyalties. With danger lurking around every corner, Gina must balance her personal ambitions with the risks of uncovering the truth.

A Steve Walsh Mystery by Mark Pasquini

Books in the Series: 2

First Book in the Series: The Map Quilt

Former soldier Steve Walsh finds himself investigating puzzling murders during the Great Depression. Hidden clues and long-buried secrets lead to dangerous discoveries, intricate mysteries, and engaging period settings.

The Dizzy Heights Mysteries by T.E. Kinsey

Books in the Series: 2

First Book in the Series: The Deadly Mystery of the Missing Diamonds

This lighthearted spin-off from T.E. Kinsey's Lady Hardcastle universe follows actress Felicity "Dizzy" Heights as she becomes entangled in murder and mystery among Britain's theatrical elite. The novels feature sparkling dialogue, eccentric characters, and entertaining investigations that balance humor with classic mystery plotting.

Harris Stuyvesant Mysteries by Laurie R. King

Books in the Series: 2

First Book in the Series: Touchstone

Harris Stuyvesant, an American investigator working in Europe between the world wars, becomes involved in complex mysteries with international implications. With an accent on suspense, historical detail, and psychological depth, the series offers a darker take on historical detective fiction.

All That Jazz

Behind the sparkling parties, elegant fashions, and carefree jazz rhythms lurk secrets, scandals, and murder waiting to be uncovered. The era's social upheaval and changing cultural norms provide endless opportunities for mystery writers to create intriguing plots and unforgettable detectives.

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