Cozy can mean a lot of things. I kept it simple with this list. Cozy is a book that gives you that snuggled-up feeling, whether that’s through the found family, gothic setting, or leisurely pacing. I’ve covered as many genres as I thought relevant. This includes Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Nonfiction, Anthologies, Literary Fiction, Horror, Graphic novels, and adolescents. I hope you find this list as comforting as I do. You may see books you’ve heard of on this list, but my goal with most of this list was to provide cozy books that don’t get a lot of spotlight on the normal forums but deserve more.
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Fantasy:
Fantasy and cozy go hand in hand so easily. There is something so snuggly about cute dragons and potions bubbling on a warm fire. If you’re interested in more cozy fantasies, check out my other blog post, The Coziest Fantasy Books for your TBR Pile.
The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee
What if there was a store that sold dreams? Which would you buy? And who might you become when you wake up?
This book is set in a town within all of our subconscience. Within this town, there is a department store that sells dreams. We follow Penny, a new hire at the department store. This book is full of found family and happy feelings. It’s the first in a duology.
A Pack for Autumn by Emilia Emerson
She was looking for quiet.
She found them instead.
This is an omega verse reverse harem novel. Olive needs to run away from her life, so she applies to and becomes the new lighthouse keeper in Starlight Cove. However, the lighthouse needs work, so the town hires an alpha construction crew.
Fun ensues. Set in the cozy season of Autumn. The series is called Cozyverse, for goodness’ sake.
The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang
Love rainy days? This is going to be the perfect cozy book for you.
There’s an old house on the outskirts of town, and if you send a letter detailing your sad life and why it needs to be changed, you might receive a ticket to a mysterious market where you can shop to change your entire life.
Miss Percy’s Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons by Quenby Olson
Miss Percy is a spinster with no dreams. That is until her uncle leaves her an inheritance, including a dragon egg that…hatches. Now, she’s raising England’s first dragon and starting a romance with the local vicar. Things have accidentally gotten very excited for Miss Percy.
A Coup of Tea by Casey Blair
A Princess runs away from her throne and runs a tea shop in a downtrodden and endangered community. She will need to investigate the machinations in the town to save it and her found family from disaster.
It’s set in a tea shop. Do I need to say more?
Science Fiction:
Science Fiction is not known as a quintessential cozy genre but it has gained popularity over the past few years. This collection contains murder, tea and cats. For more from this unique subgenre check out my list, The Best Cozy Science Fiction Books.
Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite
In the future, eternal life will be as simple as taking a luxury cruise, falling asleep, and then waking up in a new body. Your consciousness is stored in a “library” between bodies.
But bodies are being prematurely killed, and minds are being destroyed in the library. Not only that, but the ship’s detective has had her body swapped without her permission, and no one knows who or why.
Fans of Agatha Christie and Becky Chambers will both find a ton to love in this first novella in a series.
Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes
A hilarious, offbeat debut space opera that skewers everything from pop culture to video games and features an irresistible foul-mouthed captain and her motley crew, strange life forms, exciting twists, and a galaxy full of fun and adventure.
There are lots of cats in this novel, and anything with cats screams cozy.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
This is a very slice-of-life story set after the apocalypse. A troupe of actors travels in a caravan, performing for people. There are some high-tension points and some flashbacks to what happened, but overall, it’s not super stressful, and the traveling is cozy.
Shoestring theory by Mariana Costa
A queer, madcap, friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers time travel romance with the future of the world at stake.
Despite the kingdom being at stake, this book is described as a light fantasy. The main character lives by the ocean and has to travel back in time to ensure that his dead husband never ascends the throne. This sounds adorable.
A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers
This is the template for cozy sci-fi. No high stakes, no heart-stopping moments. Just a tea monk and a nature-loving wild robot in the woods. Set on another planet and far into the future. The tea monk lives in a cozy caravan. It’s as close to perfect cozy sci-fi as you can get. It’s also a novella, so if this is a subgenre you’re breaking into for the first time, then this is a great jumping-off point.
Mystery
Mystery is the OG cozy genre. Cozy mysteries have been around for a long time. The only issue with this genre is that it’s been around so long that it can be stale and dates. The following books are those that I believe bring something just a little special to this tried and true trope.
Shady Hollow by Juneau Black
The first book in the Shady Hollow series introduces us to the village of Shady Hollow, where woodland creatures live together in harmony—until a curmudgeonly toad turns dead, and the local reporter must solve the case.
This has a real Wind in the Willows vibe but with murder.
Curse the Day by Annabel Chase
Emma is lost in the mountains until she finds a cursed town that no one with magic can leave. Which is unfortunate since she’s a witch. To top it off, someone dies of unnatural causes. Between the recent murder of the town’s public defender, a goblin accused of theft, remedial witch classes, and the attention of one smoking hot vampire, Emma struggles to navigate this unfamiliar terrain without losing her mind…or her life.
The setting is what brings the cozy to this book. Hallmark meets a paranormal cozy mystery.
How to Solve your own Murder by Kristen Perrin
For fans of Knives Out and The Thursday Murder Club, an enormously fun mystery about a woman who spends her entire life trying to prevent her foretold murder only from being proven right sixty years later when she is found dead in her sprawling country estate… Now, it’s up to her great-niece to catch the killer.
This setting is heavy, and I love the cozy vibes.
A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
In London in 1887, Veronica has more freedom than most, thanks to the fortune of her deceased Aunt. She is a scientist and an adventurer. But before she can resume her travels following her Aunt’s funeral, someone attempts to abduct her, and a person she is staying with is killed. Now, with the help of Barron, who thwarted her abduction, she has to solve the mystery of who is trying to kidnap her and who would kill to do it.
The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chounard
Capri is the granddaughter of a serial killer, though she’s always believed he was innocent. She gives tours of serial killers in the city. When a copycat begins killing Capri, she finally decides to dive deep into her grandfather’s case and start a podcast to document her progress (and hopefully make some money for her daughter’s college). But as the case progresses, she finds herself at the center of the investigation…as a suspect.
Lots of San Francisco scenes.
Horror:
Horror is not usually part of the cozy party, but cozy horror does exist, and there are many good books in the sub-genre. If you’d like to see more books in this sub-genre that aren’t on this list, check out my other list, Discover the Best Cozy Horror Novels to Read
Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff
A town makes a deal with dark forces for prosperity. It’s all threatened when a wealthy visitor goes missing, and their family sends a PI to investigate.
Queer, cozy, and with a touch of eldritch horror mixed in just for fun, this is a charming love story about a small-town baker, a quick-witted PI, and, yes, an ancient evil.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
Opal lives in a small town, trying to get by and raise her brother. She dreams of the local gothic manor in the city. On a chance encounter, she gets a job cleaning the house. But things are not as they seem. From the dark and brooding owner of the house to the houses near sentient behavior to the weird monsters that lurk on the property. Opal must solve the mysterious history of the house and try to make it out alive.
The gothic atmosphere of this story firmly places it in the cozy category, but it also has a few trigger warnings and high-stakes plot points.
Good Morning, Darling by Azalea Crowley
Ella is estranged from her family and wants nothing to do with their funeral home business. When her life is under threat, it’s up to her failing enemy to keep her safe.
It is a limited third-person dual POV cozy horror romance featuring darker themes.
The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
A couple, attempting to find a slower-paced life, decide to build their dream house on forty-four acres of beautiful property. Then, they discover that the property has a violent past. Three generations of women have died suspiciously. A haunted house, newly built.
This one is listed as cozy for the atmosphere and vibes. It is set on a bog and has many natural, cozy scenes amidst the horror.
A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
Sam is going home. Her brother has expressed concerns. But Sam isn’t prepared for what she finds when she arrives. Her cluttered, artistic hippie of a mom has changed. Her house has now been painted every conceivable shade of eggshell. Her mother jumps at every sound. And there’s a jar of teeth hidden in the rosebushes.
The Southern charm and humor of the main character make this book a reasonably low-stakes, cozy horror. Like the tagline says, it’s “Southern hospitality to die for.”
Romance
Cozy romance is a popular subgenre that many adore. It tends to be very Hallmark-coded, with low stakes and some amount of levity. I personally love a good hallmark romance.
Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
Emmy escaped her hometown and made a successful career in horseriding. But when an accident means she can never ride again, she is forced back to her hometown and into the bar of Luke, her older brother’s best friend. Will sparks fly?
This is a sizzling, small-town brother-best-friend romance with low stakes and lots of wide-open skies to snuggle up under.
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore
Jeanie is taking over her Aunt’s Cafe. In a new town where she knows no one, she’s very nervous about having uprooted her entire life. But things take a turn when odd and even malicious things start happening around the cafe.
Logan, a local farmer, is drawn into the mysterious happenings at the cafe. As they work together to solve her problem, things heat up. This is very Lorelei and Luke coded, and it’s everything you need on a cold autumn day.
The Village Shop for Lonely Hearts by Alison Sherlock
Amber has lost her big city job and is forced to move in with her godmother in her sleepy, run-down town. But when it turns out that her godmother’s shop is under threat of financial ruin, Amber decides to use her window dressing skills to bring some life back into the village. Her godmother’s son, Josh, jumps in to help. Soon, the town comes under threat from another force. This is your quintessential hallmark romance.
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
After her editor tells her that she cannot push back her deadline, Florence must go back home to her family’s funeral business to bury her father. While home, her editor appears…as a ghost…because he’s dead. This is a cozy rom-com with all the feels.
Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay
When a librarian moves to a quaint Irish village where her favorite novelist lives, the last thing she expects is to fall for the author’s prickly son… until their story becomes one for the books.
This one has cozy romance and Ireland’s atmospheric setting.
Nonfiction:
Nonfiction being cozy isn’t rare but it’s also not a subgenre that’s celebrated enough. There are some great nonfiction books that not only create a cozy feeling when read but can also bring more physical cozy into your life.
Goblin Mode by Mckayla Coyle
Embrace your inner goblin! Learn to decorate, dress, craft, forage, and live according to the goblin principles of community, diversity, and joyful mess.
This is a fun alternative to the Hygge-type books. It has fun illustrations and sound advice.
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
Baily is bedridden but finds solace in observing a common woodland snail. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating is a remarkable journey of survival and resilience. It shows us how a small part of the natural world can illuminate our human existence while providing an appreciation of what it means to be fully alive.
The Little Book of Cottagecore by Emily Kent
Unplug, relax, and return to a simpler life with these easy, step-by-step ideas for your favorite cottagecore activities, including baking from scratch and easy container gardening.
Emily Dickinson’s Gardening Life by Marta McDowell
This book weaves together her poems, excerpts, essays, botanical art, and letters. It follows and examines her little-known passion for gardening and how it affected her work.
This is a very relaxing look at a historical and literary context.
Fika by Lynda Balslev
A little book on the Swedish tradition of fika—the twice-daily coffee break—including facts, quotes, tips, and 20 sweet and savory recipes.
This little book creates cozy rituals to make for a happier life.
Literary Fiction:
If cozy books with more of a literary air are your thing, then this is the list for you. These books dive deep into the human soul, and by the end, you’ll be left feeling wrapped up and toasty. For more books from this section, check out my Cozy Literary Fiction list.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Travel to a coffee shop where the drinks do more than warm and give energy. They also allow you to travel back in time. But only for as long as the drink is warm.
Heartwarming, wistful, mysterious, and delightfully quirky, Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s internationally bestselling novel explores the age-old question: What would you change if you could travel back in time?
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
England is emerging from the shadow of WW2. Juliet is a new news reporter who receives a letter from a resident of Guernsey telling a remarkable story of resistance against oppression. Juliet continues exchanging letters with the handsome resident and eventually plans to visit. This has cozy found family and romance.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
A.J. owns a bookstore on an island. One day, he finds a baby on his doorstep. After contacting the authorities, he decides to take care of the child himself. What follows is the story of the island, A.J., and the family he has versus the family he forms.
I love the island setting; the bookstore is just the icing.
Mr. Penumbra’s 24- Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
A gleeful and exhilarating tale of global conspiracy, complex code-breaking, high-tech data visualization, young love, rollicking adventure, and the secret to eternal life―mostly set in a hole-in-the-wall San Francisco bookstore
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Four sisters work to support each other while their father is away at war, and their mother works to support them. This book documents their trials and tribulations and coming of age. Each girl is unique, and the story is so warm and cozy to me.
Graphic Novels:
Cozy graphic novels don’t just have descriptions and prose that bring you into a warm cup of tea kind of feeling; they also have beautiful illustrations. This list includes some of my favorites. You’ll notice that some are young adults or even children, but they’re all delightful no matter your current age. For more cozy graphic novels, check out my list, Cozy Graphic Novels for the Art Lover.
The Dire Days of Willoweep Manor by Shaenon K Garity
Haley is obsessed with literary gothic novels. Which is lucky since she is sucked into a world reminiscent of all of her favorites. While trying to save a stranger from drowning, Haley is sucked into a fantastical gothic world under threat from an evil entity. Can she help save the day?
The Tea Dragon Society by K. Oneill
This is an all-ages book that follows Greta and the people she meets as she becomes entwined with the enchanting world of Tea Dragons, an ancient art. As she studies it, she realizes how much this tradition enhances the lives of her friends and, eventually, her own life.
This is a cozy, found family novel with adorable graphics.
Chefs Kiss by Jarrett Meiendez
Ben just graduated college but is having a hard time finding a job. He’s tried everything to land a job in writing or literature, but no luck. In desperation, he takes a job at a restaurant. As he works, he discovers he has talent. One of the leading chefs, Liam, ignites his interest in food and more. But it’s only temporary…right?
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. A sweet and charming coming-of-age story that explores friendship, love, and coming out.
Charlie and Nick meet in school, and both help each other through interpersonal struggles.
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
This is a graphic novel and an Anthology. These five tales are as horrifying as they are beautifully written. The woods’ scenic nature and beautiful illustrations prompt me to label this as a “cozy” read. These fairytales gone wrong will haunt you long after you finish them.
Cozy Childrens Books:
These books were written specifically for younger readers, but that doesn’t mean adults can’t enjoy them. Just because a book is accessible to a younger person doesn’t prohibit adult readers from enjoying its whimsical and comforting stories. A good children’s or young adult book can and should appeal to all ages. If you would like more from this list, please enjoy my expanded list, Cozy Middle Grade Books.
The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead
Ideal for ages 9+
Told from the perspectives of a ghost librarian, a tabby cat, and a boy named Evan. A little free library pops up without warning in a small town. Then, two books lead Evan and his friend to a small-town mystery that no adults want to discuss.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Anne, an eleven-year-old orphan, is sent by mistake to live with a lonely, middle-aged brother and sister on a Prince Edward Island farm and proceeds to make an indelible impression on everyone around her.
This is a classic for a reason. I didn’t read this until I was a mom and adored it.
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
Ideal for ages 10-12
Milo is the adopted son of the owner of the Greenglass House. An inn. But it’s the middle of winter, and no one checks in at this time of year. Instead of the relaxing season that Milo was planning on, the Inn is overrun by strange and secretive guests. With the help of his friend Meddy, Milo must find out what kind of connection these new guests have to the Inn.
Snow and Rose by Emily Winfield Martin
Ideal for ages 6-10
Snow and Rose didn’t know they were in a fairy tale. People never do. . . .
This is the story of two sisters and the enchanted woods that have been waiting for them to break a set of terrible spells.
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