Book picks similar to
Small Town Murder by Patti Benning


mystery
cozy-mystery
christmas
cozy-mysteries

Massage & Murder


Jenn Cowan - 2018
    A professional. A healer. Not a killer. When a client ends up dead on my massage table, I become the number one suspect. I have Means. Motive. Opportunity. But I didn't kill her. The clock is ticking, someone is stalking me, I have to find out who before I end up in jail or worse...dead.

The Psychic Cafe Mysteries - Box Set 1


April Fernsby - 2018
     A Deadly Delivery Things are changing rapidly for Karis. As well as filing for divorce from her unfaithful husband, she decides it’s time to make peace with her estranged sister, Erin. With trepidation, Karis visits the café which Erin owns. To her great relief, Erin welcomes Karis back into her life with open arms. During their reconciliation, a young woman, Carmel, calls into the café with a bread delivery. As Karis watches Carmel, she experiences a strong psychic vision. She sees two shadows following Carmel. Only one of the shadows belongs to Carmel — the other belongs to the person who is going to murder her later that day. With help from her sister and an old neighbour, Karis does all that she can to find out who murdered Carmel. It doesn’t help that the investigating officer is an ex-boyfriend who broke up with Karis because he couldn’t cope with her psychic abilities. Despite this, Karis won’t rest until she finds the killer. A Fatal Wedding Using money from her divorce settlement, Karis invests in her sister’s café. Not only are Karis and Erin planning to extend the café premises, they are going to hold regular craft evenings there too. A young woman, Bryony, asks if Karis and Erin can help her make a batch of wedding favours for her upcoming wedding. The sisters decide to use this as an opportunity to host their first craft evening, much to Bryony’s delight. During the craft evening, Karis receives a vision concerning Bryony and the wedding favours. It unsettles Karis to know Bryony has an enemy who wishes her harm. Things get worse when Karis foresees a murder taking place at Bryony’s wedding. Will Karis be able to stop the murder? Or will she be too late? Tea And Murder Karis suspects something is wrong when her morning cup of tea has an unusually foul taste. She dismisses that thought and goes to the café which she co-owns with her sister. There, she meets a builder called Howie McGarry. Shortly after meeting Howie, Karis has a vision which shows him being murdered by poisoned tea. To Karis’ dismay, Howie’s wife is someone who went to school with her. Once the vision is made known, Vanessa McGarry ridicules Karis and calls her by the vicious nickname she gave her at school – Krazy Karis. Vanessa tells Howie not to believe a word Karis says. Despite Vanessa’s hateful words, Karis knows she has to do something to prevent Howie’s murder. Will she stop his untimely death in time? The Knitting Pattern Mystery A knitting class is held at the café which Karis co-owns with her sister, Erin. An old knitting pattern is brought into the café and Karis is immediately drawn to it. It’s not long before Karis starts to experience visions which are brought on by the pattern, and some of those visions reveal a murder will take place soon. With a sense of urgency, Karis tries to find out who owned the knitting pattern, and if that person is linked to the murder she witnessed. As more visions come to her, Karis realises she is also dealing with a mystery from the 1950s. Is this mystery somehow linked to the murder which will occur?

Wish Upon A Witch


Lucy May - 2020
    Really. Her name is literally Juliette Good. Apologies for the redundancy. Good witch or not, she often ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Returning home to Charm Cove, Maine after the holidays, she makes a nostalgic wish in the town’s fountain. As unfortunate luck would have it, seconds later the town’s ancient beloved balsam tree catches fire and is burned to a crisp. By virtue of being a witness, Juliette is also a suspect. Suddenly, wishes cast by random strangers in the fountain are granted almost instantly if Juliette happens to be nearby. In the less magical realm, residents of Charm Cove are up in arms over winter road maintenance and a few too many fender benders during the icy winter. Meanwhile, the only other person known to be present when the ancient balsam tree caught fire is Donovan Wick—a warlock who’s just moved back to town. He’s handsome and charming, and Juliette just might be falling for him. There’s not much time for romance when the witches and warlocks of Charm Cove are chasing down whoever cast the spell that harmed the tree, and the entire town is disgruntled over the state of the roads. The mundane and magical are all tangled together. Take a visit to Charm Cove, where Wicked meets Good and where you just might find there’s almost always more than meets the eye.

The Salty Taste of Murder


Christine Zane Thomas - 2018
    She's a foodie, and a runner. A restaurant reviewer by day, and a Netflix aficionado by night.Even if it doesn’t make her the most popular dinner guest in the charming southern town of Lanai, Georgia, Allie’s reviews are always honest.And her latest is no different from any other.But Allie’s review isn’t the only thing to hit the newsstand. The restaurant’s owner and Allie’s one-time high school nemesis, Jessica Hayes, is found murdered. When Jessica’s husband, Miller, is labeled the prime suspect, Allie’s convinced the police are mistaken.As if dodging the bad press while she works to clear Miller’s name isn't enough, one false step could put the real killer onto her.Can Allie clear Miller’s name without winding up with the next obituary?

Grits in the Graveyard


J.L. Collins - 2019
    Secrets galore, a new witch at the door, and killer grits that are to die for! An escape - That's exactly what Birdie Devaine needs when witches around the world publicly announce their existence. Instead of performing for the sold out crowd at her world-famous magic show in Vegas, Birdie runs away from the dazzling lights to her hometown in Mississippi. Back to the town she swore off over a century ago. She thinks she has it all planned out - keeping busy with renovating an old beautiful house and eventually fading away from the spotlight. But the house has its secrets, including the haunted cemetery that Birdie is now responsible for. It doesn't help when her nosy neighbor catches on to Birdie's big secret - that she's a true witch with real magical powers. But when the busybody turns up dead on Birdie's new property, the former southern debutante becomes the prime suspect in the case. Cue the ladies of Witch Hazel Lane - a group of women who've stuck together for forty years. With their help, Birdie is on the hunt for the real killer. Will they help get her off the hook? Will Birdie's true nature stay secret? And what is she supposed to do with the stray dog that refuses to leave her house? This book contains plenty of southern sass, friendship, some delicious comfort food, and a little bit of magic along the way! FREE RECIPES INCLUDED! Perfect for readers of Charlaine Harris, Joanna Fluke, and Leighann Dobbs!

Dead Before The Wedding


Ruby Blaylock - 2015
     Professional photographer and part-time bakery employee Carly Keene loves everything about her small hometown, except for the fact that there's a murderer on the loose. When one of Carly's photography clients is murdered just days before his wedding, it's up to Carly to prove that the most likely suspect isn't the culprit at all. With the help of her sassy best friend, Shell, and her clever cop cousin, Carly is determined to get to the truth, no matter what. Can Carly prove that the police are after the wrong woman? And are her feelings for the dead guy's twin brother more than just friendship and a shared love of their dogs? Find out in this first book of the Carly Keene Cozy Mystery series! Meet the colorful residents of Parker's Mill in the first-ever Carly Keene cozy mystery. ***Includes two mouthwatering recipe straight out of the Sweets & Eats Bakery!****

Trouble at Happy Trails


Minnie Crockwell - 2014
    By night’s end, a death in the park finds her consoling the deceased man’s widow...or his killer. Whether the dearly departed died by his own hand or whether someone murdered him remains to be seen. It seems the deceased had a lot of character flaws. A lot! Peregrine Ebenezer Alvord, otherwise known as Ben, is tagging along with Minnie on her travels. That he is an early 19th century ghost is only a minor complication. Ben has the ability to venture unseen where others cannot. Minnie never imagined herself as an amateur sleuth, but with Ben’s help, she might just be able to discover the source of the Trouble at Happy Trails! Trouble at Happy Trails is Book 1 of a series of short stories featuring Minnie and Ben. Each story can stand alone, but to avoid extensive repetition of the back story, the stories would be best read in order. Look for Book 2 soon!

Murder is Elementary


Diane Weiner - 2014
    What a joy to be able to attend the holiday concert without worrying about how her chorus will perform. But wait. Where's the principal? Susan offers to check, only to find the principal lying dead on her office floor. Of course, now that she's retired she has time to help the local police (one of whom is her daughter) solve the mysterious crime. Did the principal die of natural causes? The bruise on her face doesn't seem severe enough to be fatal. What about that funfetti cupcake sitting on her desk? Could she have been poisoned? Susan has just found the perfect retirement activity, much to her daughter's chagrin. And when the principal's teenage daughter, one of Susan's all time favorite students, asks for help - how can she say no? Little does she realize that this crime will take her far from the schoolhouse doors, as she investigates a mystery that extends back into one family's painful past.

Narcissist in the Daffodils


Kristy E. Carter - 2018
    The last thing Leo Solomon wants to do after returning to his hometown is arrest the woman he loves or her cousin, but all the evidence keeps pointing to it being an inside job. Why would anyone commit a crime and then phone 911? Why is everyone so interested in the missing black book last seen in the victim's possession? Rumors swirl as everyone in town decides to weigh in on who they think killed Elizabeth and why. Penelope refuses to sit by and let the people she loves or her family business be put through the mud to protect a killer. Can Penelope and Leo get to the bottom of the crime before anyone else gets hurt?

Death Takes A Break: A Taylor Texas Mystery


Vikki Walton - 2019
    She returns home to Comfort, Texas, only to be thrust into the middle of a land dispute and developers intent on gaining the Taylor Ranch property. When one of the developer’s employees dies on their property, Christie must extend her break to help her father. Christie sets out to find the killer before they strike again. But will the truth unravel everything? If you love Texas, country life and pies, you’ll enjoy this humorous cozy mystery set in the beautiful hill country. Meet the characters who may remind you of your cantankerous grandpa or your quirky next-door neighbor. Pie Recipe included!Buy Death Takes a Break and get roped in to a your new favorite cozy series.

Gingerbread to Die For (The Dunbarton Christmas Mysteries Book 2)


Valerie Tate - 2019
    Mix thoroughly for the perfect Christmas murder.Well, almost perfect.It’s one month until Christmas in Dunbarton and the town is buzzing with the news that a famous celebrity chef is coming to judge and televise the gingerbread competition at the new community centre. Confident that the event will attract hordes of food-loving visitors to town, the mayor has Dunbarton decked out in all its Christmas finery and directs Alicia and the deputy mayor to make sure everything runs smoothly.All is going as planned until a body is found in the life-sized gingerbread house outside the community centre, with a gingerbread dove stuffed in the victim’s mouth. The distraught mayor once again calls on Alicia and Chris to solve the murder before it sounds a death-knell to the holiday festivities.It’s not long before Alicia and Chris discover that it’s not all sugar and spice in the world of big-time baking and that one too many cookies can be the death of you.

A Shot of Murder


Brenda Gayle - 2020
    But when the story is murder, will she end up above the fold or buried in the back?1948: Kingston, Canada—Charley Hall knows she’s a better reporter than any man in the newsroom. Frustrated to be demoted to the women’s page so her job on the city beat can be given to a returning soldier, she refocuses her energy into locating her brother who disappeared after his latest bender. She’s horrified when her search leads to the woman last seen with him, found dead with a bullet in her neck.Driven to catch the killer and clear her brother’s name, Charley encounters a mysterious cop from out of town who’s showing an intense interest in the case. But as she uncovers the victim’s murky past, tracking down the shooter could land the intrepid journalist in the obituaries.Can this gutsy gal prove her investigative skills and live to tell the tale?A Shot of Murder is the first book in the atmospheric Charley Hall historical mystery series. If you like strong female protagonists, period pieces, and small-town misdeeds, then you’ll love Brenda Gayle’s compelling whodunit.Buy A Shot of Murder to bring justice to the front page today!

Promotions & Poisons


Laina C. Turner - 2020
    Presley has to clear her name before not only does she lose out on this big promotion, but even worse - she ends up in jail!Do you love cozy mysteries with a quirky, strong female lead that just can’t keep her nose out of police business? Do you enjoy a touch of romance with your cozies? Then the Presley Thurman series is for you! The Presley Thurman Cozy Mystery Series Prequel: Promotions & Poisons (listed as Book 14)Book 1: Stilettos & ScoundrelsBook 2: Necklaces & NoosesBook 3: Handbags & HooligansBook 4: Mistletoe & MurderBook 5: Gems & GunshotsBook 6: Tiaras & TexansBook 7: Cupids & CrooksBook 8: Vows & VictimsBook 9: Romance & RevengeBook 10: Accessories & AlibisBook 11: Bats & BlingBook 12: Weddings & WeaponsBook 13: Diamond & DisguisesBook 15: Keys & Kidnappers Book 16: Icicles & Icepicks   Other cozy mystery series by Laina Turner: The Spencer University Cozy Mystery SeriesThe Read Wine Bookstore Cozy Mystery Series

Witch Doggone Killer?


Paula Lester - 2020
    Winter lasts for up to nine months there, and the biggest event of the year is the summer dog show. People come from all over to attend. It brings money and prestige to town.But when Willow’s landlord is poisoned to death, she quickly finds herself in a tricky situation. People are canceling their appointments, afraid when they learn someone was murdered in her clinic. And one of her employees is acting super strange.Then she’s asked to take over the dead man’s spot as a dog show judge, and she gets even more nervous. After all, she’s the town veterinarian, so is it even okay for her to be a judge? And, oh yeah, she’s a witch who can talk to animals, but only her elderly aunt is in the know on that point.Before long, Willow is in way over her head. She has to learn the rules for judging the dog show, save her business from financial ruin, and juggle a couple of potential love interests.But that’s not the worst of it. Willow is pretty sure she may be on the short list for the killer’s next victim. Now, she’s racing the clock to catch the murderer and finds herself having to choose between revealing her secret and possibly losing her life.

The French Fraud: Cozy Mystery


Myrtle Morse - 2021