Tag: mystery

Posted in Cozy Mysteries and Ghost Stories

The Souls of Lost Lake

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

Urban myth meets clean horror meets creepy storytelling!

Let’s get what this book is all about out of the way. 

In the present day, Wren Blythe loves her quiet life in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where she helps her father with his ministry at a youth camp. But when a young girl disappears, the community comes together for a desperate search and an old campfire legend begins to resurface.

The story of Ava Coons, a young girl accused of murdering her own family decades ago, has haunted the area for years. Some believe her ghost still wanders the woods. While searching for the missing child, Wren discovers the ruins of the Coons family cabin and becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the mystery that has lingered for so long.

In 1930, thirteen-year-old Ava Coons walked out of the woods covered in blood and carrying a logger’s ax. Her family was gone, their bodies never found, and the people of Tempter’s Creek quickly decided she must be responsible. Years later, Ava has learned to live with the questions she can’t answer and the suspicion that follows her everywhere.

But when another person is murdered and someone else disappears, the whispers begin again. Could Ava’s past hold a darker secret than anyone ever imagined?

This dual-timeline mystery blends suspense, secrets, and the search for truth as Wren and Ava’s stories collide across generations.

My Thoughts

Out of the four Jaime Jo Wright books I’ve read so far, The Souls of Lost Lake is hands down my favorite. It is also the creepiest one yet. I absolutely loved the urban legend feel woven throughout this story. There is something so fascinating about a whispered campfire tale becoming connected to real history, forgotten secrets, and mysteries that refuse to stay buried.

I honestly had a hard time putting this book down. At the same time, I found myself thinking that maybe this is not the best book to read alone in the dark. But honestly, those are the stories that pull you in the most. The atmosphere, the suspense, and the feeling that something is hiding just beyond the pages made this one unforgettable.

Let’s Unwrap the Past

Ava Coons is one of those characters who completely captured my heart while also testing my patience. I wanted to reach through the pages, wrap her in a hug, and take away all the hurt and pain she had carried for so long. Then there were moments when I wanted to shake her and tell her to stop pushing away the people who genuinely wanted to help her.

The way the town viewed Ava and the way she eventually saw herself because of that judgment was heartbreaking. She was defined by a tragedy she could not remember and a story other people decided was true.

The 1930 storyline gave me some serious To Kill a Mockingbird vibes. The small-town assumptions, the quick judgments, and the search for truth beneath years of rumors all added another emotional layer to the story.

And that ending? I did not see it coming. I was convinced I knew where the story was headed, and I was completely wrong. The final reveal caught me off guard in the best possible way.

Now Let’s Talk About the Present

I have to talk about the Tolkien references because I loved them! There is definitely a Lord of the Rings fan woven into this story, and I was completely here for it.

Wren’s connection to Tolkien through her father could have felt unusual at first, but it actually added so much depth to their relationship and helped shape who she was.

Wren is a character who has spent much of her life feeling lost. When a young girl disappears from the camp where Wren helps her father, she begins asking questions she has avoided for years.

Then come the creepy dolls, strange discoveries, unsettling clues, and secrets hidden in the past. The mystery becomes about much more than finding a missing child. Wren must discover the truth about what happened, who she really is, and what her purpose is moving forward.

Overall Thoughts

This story perfectly blends mystery, suspense, faith, redemption, and just enough creepiness to keep you turning pages.

If you only read one Jaime Jo Wright book, make it this one. But be warned, once you read it, you will probably want to read everything she has written.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cozy Sip Pairing

Lost Lake Blackberry Sage Spritzer

For this book, I wanted something that felt a little different, just like the story itself. The blackberry and sage combination gives this drink a unique twist, and the sparkle makes it feel fun and refreshing. It’s the perfect sip while diving into a creepy mystery filled with secrets.

Posted in Cozy Mysteries and Ghost Stories

Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

This marks my third Jaime Jo Wright novel, and once again, she delivers a story that completely holds its ground. Each book builds that same signature blend of mystery, faith threads, and gothic tension—but this one might be my favorite yet. If you haven’t read her work, don’t wait. Go find one now and settle in for a moody, atmospheric ride.

Tropes

  • Town secrets with deep roots
  • Strained, failing marriage
  • Dual timeline storytelling
  • Haunted/tormented presence
  • Isolated, atmospheric setting

Themes

  • Self-serving love vs. committed love
  • Echoes of history shaping the present
  • Greed, betrayal, and consequences
  • Healing from brokenness and grief

Synopsis

A writer arrives at a secluded lighthouse to research local hauntings. What she expects as inspiration turns into a spiral of buried truths, violent history, and a town that refuses to forget.

In the 1800s timeline, Rebecca wakes up injured and disoriented on a gravestone near a lighthouse. She has no memory of who she is or why someone attacked her. The lighthouse keeper and his circle take her in, but danger lingers just beyond the shoreline as her past slowly resurfaces.

In the present day, Shae arrives at the same lighthouse to investigate its ghost stories and write a book. She leaves behind a struggling marriage with her husband, Pete, believing space will heal her. Instead, she uncovers an unsolved murder, a haunting legacy, and secrets strong enough to fracture an entire town.

My Thoughts

This story works because of the strength of the characters. They’re not just people in a story but rather they’re its whole emotional undertone for the book. This is mastery writing by the author. 

Rebecca’s arc grips from the start. Her vulnerability never weakens her story; it deepens it. As she pieces together her identity, the tension never lets up.

Niina brings warmth into the cold isolation of the lighthouse. She feels like a steady presence, comforting, nurturing, and deeply human. At one point, Rebecca remarks that her scent is made up of “warm, freshly-baked bread”. 

Edgar unfolds like a living mystery. His story doesn’t feel told; it feels discovered. His reveal ties directly into the moral weight of “saving” Annabel and the ripple effects across generations.

Abel stands as quiet heroism in grief. He protects fiercely, especially when it comes to Rebecca.

Mercer and Bear bring the menace. They don’t just oppose the characters, they press against every corner of safety in the story.

In the present timeline, Shae feels raw and conflicted. She frustrates at times, but she also feels real. Pete grounds the story with steady reliability, and their marriage becomes one of the most honest emotional threads in the book.

Annabel’s chapters cut deepest. Her voice lingers in tragic, haunting, and beautifully restrained tones.

One of my absolute favorite things the author does is reference a previous book. It feels like a special nod to loyal readers, the kind that makes you sit up a little straighter and think, “I recognize that story!”

Cozy Vibe Check

Even with its darker edges, the atmosphere pulls you in like a fog rolling off cold water.

Atmosphere: Gothic coastal tension meets historic weight. The lighthouse and surrounding lake shape the emotional tone of every scene.

Emotional Core: Redemption and grace carry the heart of the story. The fractured marriage storyline adds a grounded, deeply human layer.

Setting: Silvertown feels like a near-abandoned mining town wrapped in memory. Isolation isn’t just described; it’s felt.

Favorite Quote

“Sometimes steady was comforting. Sometimes mundane was reliable. Sometimes always-there was the most romantic thing anyone could ever be for someone.”

Pair It With

A warm cup of Earl Grey tea with a splash of milk in a well-loved teacup and saucer, ideally one with history, gentle wear, or sentimental meaning.

Settle into a cozy chair tucked into a quiet corner on a dark evening. Keep the lighting soft with a single warm lamp and light a vanilla scented candle for a gentle glow. Play soft string music in the background to deepen the atmosphere. Wrap yourself in your favorite blanket and settle in.

You are in for a long night because you will not want to put this one down.

Final Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Posted in Bookshelf Favorites

My Current Favorite Authors 

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

There are several books on my shelves and even more on my Kindle, but every once in a while a handful of authors completely capture my attention. They’re the ones I recommend over and over again because I know exactly what I’m getting every time I open one of their books.

As someone who prefers clean fiction, I don’t want to spend my reading time skipping pages or wondering if a story is going to head in a direction I’d rather avoid. I want compelling characters, beautiful writing, memorable settings, and stories that stay with me long after I’ve turned the last page.

These five authors continue to deliver exactly that. If you’re looking for books without the spice but packed with atmosphere, mystery, heart, and unforgettable characters, here’s where I’d start.

Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright has become my absolute favorite author.

Her stories combine everything I love about fiction. They feel mysterious without crossing into anything occult. The ghostly elements create suspense, history, and emotion rather than horror, and every novel points back to hope and faith.

That’s a combination I don’t find very often.

Her books explore brokenness, healing, forgiveness, and God’s faithfulness in ways that never feel preachy. Instead, faith grows naturally from the characters’ journeys, making every ending feel earned.

Then there’s the atmosphere.

No one creates an eerie old house, abandoned asylum, forgotten cemetery, or isolated estate quite like Jaime Jo Wright. I don’t simply read her books but rather I step inside them.

Every time she announces a new release, I don’t even read the description anymore.

I just preorder it.

Read Jaime Jo Wright if you love:

  • Faith-filled fiction
  • Gothic atmosphere
  • Family secrets
  • Dual timelines
  • Ghost stories that aren’t occult
  • Beautiful writing that lingers long after the last page

Angie Fox

Sometimes you need a mystery that’s just plain fun.

That’s exactly what Angie Fox delivers.

Her Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries have become one of my favorite comfort series because they balance mystery, humor, quirky characters, and just enough ghostly fun to keep the pages turning.

There’s no faith thread running through these books, but that has never bothered me because the stories know exactly what they are.

They’re charming.

They’re funny.

And somehow they always make me crave sweet tea.

The small-town Southern setting almost becomes another character. Add in memorable personalities, plenty of laughs, and satisfying mysteries, and you’ve got books that are incredibly easy to binge.

If you’ve been looking for paranormal mysteries that stay lighthearted without becoming silly, this series deserves a place on your reading list.

Read Angie Fox if you love:

  • Southern charm
  • Small-town mysteries
  • Funny dialogue
  • Lovable characters
  • Ghosts with personality
  • Cozy paranormal mysteries

Lily Mirren

Not every memorable story needs ghosts (although I recoil a little at saying that). Sometimes all it takes is a group of women who genuinely care about one another.

That’s exactly why I keep returning to Lily Mirren.

Her books celebrate friendship, resilience, healing, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from living through life’s hardest seasons. Every time I finish one of her novels, I wish I could pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee, and spend the afternoon listening to these women share their stories.

Their conversations feel real.

Their struggles feel familiar.

Their victories feel personal.

In a world that often pits women against one another, Lily Mirren reminds us how beautiful female friendships can be. Her stories leave me encouraged every single time.

Read Lily Mirren if you love:

  • Women’s fiction
  • Strong female friendships
  • Emotional healing
  • Family relationships
  • Small-town charm
  • Characters that feel like friends

Erin Craig

If a summer thunderstorm rolls in and you’re looking for the perfect book to match the mood, reach for Erin Craig.

Her novels feel haunting in the very best way. Every setting drips with atmosphere, every family carries dark secrets, and every chapter pulls you deeper into the mystery. Her writing feels almost cinematic.

You can hear the wind.

You can feel the rain.

You can practically smell the old houses and forgotten forests.

Although her books remain clean, I should mention that they can become emotionally intense. Some scenes carry genuine tension and darker themes, but they’re always there to serve the story rather than shock the reader.

I’ll happily read anything Erin Craig writes because I know I’m about to disappear into another unforgettable world.

Read Erin Craig if you love:

  • Gothic fantasy
  • Atmospheric fiction
  • Family curses
  • Fairy-tale retellings
  • Dark mysteries
  • Beautiful prose

Jessica Thorne

Some authors hook you with one book.

Jessica Thorne did exactly that.

The moment I finished The Bookbinder’s Daughter, I knew I’d found another auto-buy author. Her stories blend fantasy, mystery, history, and rich world-building into books that completely absorb me.

I love authors who trust readers enough to let the story unfold naturally, and Jessica Thorne does that beautifully. She doesn’t rush the mystery or overexplain every detail. Instead, she lets you settle into the world and discover its secrets alongside the characters.

That kind of storytelling keeps me turning pages far later than I intended.

If you’ve never picked up one of her books, The Bookbinder’s Daughter remains my favorite place to start.

Read Jessica Thorne if you love:

  • Fantasy
  • Historical mysteries
  • Magical libraries
  • Ancient secrets
  • Beautiful world-building
  • Atmospheric adventures

Why I Keep Coming Back to These Authors

When I find an author I trust, I stay loyal. That doesn’t mean every book becomes a five-star read. It means I know the experience will be worth my time.

Each of these authors creates stories that value character development over shock value. They build memorable worlds instead of relying on spice to keep readers interested. Most importantly, they remind me that clean fiction doesn’t have to be boring.

Far from it.

These books prove that mystery, suspense, emotion, friendship, faith, and unforgettable storytelling can carry an entire novel without explicit content.

If you’re trying to build a library filled with clean or low-spice reads, you really can’t go wrong with any of these authors.

And if you’re wondering where I’d tell you to start?

Jaime Jo Wright currently still sits firmly at the top of my list.

Posted in Cozy Mysteries and Ghost Stories

The House on Foster Hill

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

Have you ever tried to outrun your past, only to realize it doesn’t stay behind you… it follows you in ways you never expected? And sometimes it doesn’t even show up as the past at all – it shows up as your present, and maybe even your future.

This book sits right in that space.

Tropes

Let’s start with the basics:

  • Dual timeline
  • Haunted / “living” house
  • Cold case mystery
  • Gothic small-town setting

Themes

This story leans into some heavy, meaningful ground:

  • Grief
  • Trauma recovery
  • Female resilience and strength in hardship

Synopsis

Two women, separated by a century, find themselves connected through one place: Foster Hill.

In the early 1900s, Ivy Thorpe carries deep grief after the loss of her brother and the betrayal of someone she trusted. When a body turns up near a local estate, she steps straight into a mystery filled with buried secrets and long-hidden truths.

In the present day, Kaine Prescott runs from a life she can no longer face in San Diego. She buys the rundown Foster Hill with the hope of restoring it in honor of her late husband. Instead, she finds a house that refuses to stay quiet. What she uncovers ties directly into the danger she thought she left behind.

As past and present begin to collide, both women move toward one conclusion – one that exposes secrets that never should have stayed buried.

My Thoughts

Jaime Jo Wright does it again.

I found this book even more haunting and intense than The Bookshop of 99 Doors. I had to set it down more than once just to clear my head. The haunting never crosses into horror – it stays eerie, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling in the best way.

The house absolutely acts like a character. I love when authors do that. Foster Hill holds layers of secrets, and each one peels back like an onion. Every reveal pulls you deeper into the story until you realize how far in you’ve gone.

Both Ivy and Kaine feel fully developed. As they untangle the mystery, they also confront parts of themselves they’ve avoided. Their growth feels natural and earned.

The romance stays closed-door and clean, with no spice or language, which fits the tone of the story well.

Faith threads through the book in a grounded way. It never feels forced. Instead, it shows up in the real, messy moments – grief, anger, questioning, and that very human tension of trying to trust God in the middle of loss.

And the pacing? Excellent. I read this in under 48 hours because I kept telling myself, “just one more chapter,” until suddenly I was too far in to stop.

I love finding stories like this – haunted, atmospheric fiction with a strong faith undercurrent done well.

Cozy Vibes Check

Atmosphere:
Gothic, eerie, and wrapped in quiet tension from beginning to end.

Pacing:
The story builds both timelines carefully, letting each layer of the mystery unfold at its own pace.

Emotional Tone:
Reflective, somber, and unsettling at times, but threaded with quiet hope.

Reading Experience:
It felt like peeling back old wallpaper in a forgotten house and finding something hidden underneath that was never meant to be seen.

Favorite Quote

“Sometimes the past doesn’t stay buried… it waits for someone brave enough to listen.”

Pair It With

Drink: Hot chai tea – something warm that carries both comfort and quiet courage in the same cup.

Vibe: A steady Sunday morning rain with the windows cracked just enough to let the sound in – the kind that becomes part of the story. Percy at my side, a light summer blanket pulled close, and that quiet feeling that the house outside your window feels a little too still.

Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Posted in Bookshelf Favorites

Ten Cozy Mysteries for Summer Reading

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

As someone who is still getting her reading mojo back, I’m going to cheat a little on this one. Don’t worry – I’ll probably revisit this topic more than once.

I don’t have a list of my top ten cozy mysteries for summer. What I do have is a list of my top ten cozy paranormal mysteries for summer.

All by the same author.

How’s that for efficiency?

My sister and niece introduced me to the Southern Ghost Hunter series, and they absolutely nailed my reading vibe. I love mysteries. I love ghost stories. And if you stick around here long enough, you’ll probably hear me talk about both quite a bit.

Now, you may be thinking, “Ghost stories? Aren’t those better suited for fall?”

Honestly, you’re not wrong. I may very well revisit this list when Halloween rolls around.

For now, though, these are my favorite cozy summer ghost stories. Why summer? Because every one of them takes place in the South, where the weather is hot, the sweet tea is cold, the pecan pie is plentiful, and somebody is always firing up a barbecue.

These are listed in no particular order of favorites.

1. Southern Spirits

This is where it all begins. The story takes place in a fictional Georgia town known for peaches and pecans—which, when combined and topped with ice cream, make a dessert worthy of its own book review. But I digress. We’re here for books, not pie.

Southern Spirits introduces Verity Long, who inherits her grandmother’s house and accidentally traps a 1920s gangster ghost on the property. One accidental ghost imprisonment later, Verity can suddenly see and talk to spirits. Naturally, chaos follows.

2. The Skeleton in the Closet

The second book doesn’t disappoint. This time, Verity and Frankie investigate a murder that takes place in the town library. Because apparently even libraries can’t escape murder mysteries.

3. The Haunted Heist

Verity tries to focus on something other than ghosts for a change. Unfortunately, her boss ends up dead, and a gangster ghost may have information about the crime. Before long, Verity and Frankie plunge headfirst into another mystery and plenty of chaos.

4. Deader Homes and Gardens

Next, Verity takes a job at the creepiest mansion in town. She plans to identify the murderer and exorcise the resident ghosts.

The ghosts, however, have their own plans.

5. Sweet Tea and Spirits

When a prestigious local society invites Verity to join, she thinks she’s finally moving up in the world. Then someone discovers a dead body at the society’s headquarters.

As usual, Verity drags Frankie along while she untangles the mystery.

6. Murder on the Sugarland Express

Verity and her boyfriend plan a romantic train trip through the Tennessee mountains. Unfortunately, the train comes with a haunted history.

It doesn’t take long before the past crashes into the present and derails what should have been a romantic weekend.

7. The Mint Julep Murders

This time, Frankie needs Verity’s help. Together, they assist a gangster ghost with a colorful past that leads them straight to a haunted asylum.

As the body count rises, Verity’s simple plan – help the ghost and get out – becomes considerably more complicated.

8. Southern Bread and Dead

Verity volunteers at a church charity event, expecting a fairly normal day.

Instead, a longtime family friend turns up dead.

As old secrets begin surfacing, Verity discovers that some members of the congregation have worked very hard to keep the past buried.

9. Give Up the Ghost

High school reunions already have a reputation for dredging up old memories.

This reunion takes things a step further.

When ghosts from the past start pulling the living into decades-old conflicts, Verity and Frankie race to uncover the truth.

You may never look at a class reunion the same way again.

10. Death at the Drive-In

Finally, a seventy-year-old cold case returns to the spotlight when new evidence emerges in the death of a young girl.

While the police follow the physical evidence, Verity and Frankie consult the ghostly witnesses. Together, they help solve a murder that has remained unsolved for decades.

Final Thoughts

These books fall around a Level 2 on the intimacy scale and contain only mild swearing. Some of the hauntings get intense, but the stories never venture into anything occult or dark. They’re simply fun ghost stories wrapped around engaging murder mysteries.

One of the things I appreciate most about Angie Fox’s writing is her commitment to character development. She builds a cast you genuinely enjoy spending time with while delivering mysteries that keep the pages turning. Most importantly, she never forgets to make the stories fun.

Of course, this list only covers paranormal mysteries. The next time I put together a summer mystery recommendation list, I may actually include books that don’t involve ghosts.

Although, let’s be honest.

That seems highly unlikely.

Posted in Cozy Mysteries and Ghost Stories

The Bookshop of 99 Doors

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

You had me at “bookshop” and kept me with the haunted mansion and century-old secrets. I stayed up way past my bedtime reading this one.

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

I picked this one up for the bookshop and Gothic mansion vibes and wound up staying for the mystery.

The story follows two women living more than a hundred years apart, both connected to the same estate and the secrets hidden within its walls. As the past and present begin to collide, long-buried truths come to light. Packed with suspense, family drama, and faith, this story kept me guessing until the very end.

Cozy Vibes Check

Atmosphere: Dark, emotional, tense, and haunting

Pacing: Steady from start to finish. Not a single lag.

Emotional Tone: Heavy at times but ultimately hopeful. Expect grief, mystery, and plenty of deliciously spooky moments.

Tropes You’ll Find

  • Dual Timeline
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Historical Mystery
  • Family Secrets
  • Books About Books

Clean Reads Rating

Romance/Intimacy: Level 2 – Sweet & Slightly Swoony

Language: Level 2 – Mild “Oops I Said Dang” Energy

Faith Content: Strong

Cozy Factor:
More eerie Gothic mystery than cozy mystery, but the bookshop setting adds a cozy touch.

Suspense Level:
Expect plenty of twists, tension, and late-night reading.

My Thoughts

This book was a wild ride.

Imagine meeting someone at the pool. You chat for a few minutes, feel completely comfortable, and then they shove you into the deep end and walk away while you figure out how to swim. That was my reading experience.

At first, I wasn’t sure this book was for me. Not because it moved slowly—it absolutely didn’t. The pacing was excellent from page one. I just struggled to settle into the mood of the story. Then chapter three arrived, and suddenly I couldn’t stop reading.

Let’s start with the hauntings.

They were atmospheric, creepy, and incredibly well done. Jaime Jo Wright doesn’t rely on terrifying horror moments. Instead, she leans into whispers, tapping sounds, creaking floors, passing shadows, and those unsettling glimpses from the corner of your eye. The kind of spooky that keeps you turning pages instead of hiding under a blanket.

Then there are the secrets.

Both timelines revolve around women trying to uncover the truth while surrounded by people who seem determined to keep it hidden. Every answer leads to another question, and every revelation uncovers something deeper. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story threw another twist my way.

And then there’s the manor.

The house isn’t just a setting.

It’s a character.

I love stories where the house feels alive, where every hallway, staircase, and locked room carries its own history. This manor holds its secrets close and reveals them only when it’s ready. Around every corner, inside every room, and behind every door waits another clue. That’s exactly the kind of Gothic mystery I love.

Finally, let’s talk about the faith element.

The theme of faith over fear runs throughout the story, but it never feels preachy. Instead, it feels authentic. The characters question. They wonder. They search. And through it all, they wrestle with what is true and where hope can be found. I especially appreciated how both women sought God while navigating the strange and seemingly supernatural events surrounding the house.

My Official Pairing

Setting: A cozy corner on a rainy evening with a lamp glowing nearby and the rest of the house just a little darker than usual. I actually read the last fourth of this book during a thunderstorm at night—nature really provided the perfect setting. 

Drink: A salted caramel mocha or dark chocolate hot cocoa.

Favorite Quote

“You are promised by God himself that if you search for Him, the truth will set you free.”

Read This If You Love

Rebecca – for the sprawling estate, haunting atmosphere, and secrets lurking beneath the surface.

Jane Eyre – for the dark, foreboding house and the mysteries hidden within its walls.

The Haunting of Hill House – because the house itself feels like a living presence that influences everyone around it.

The Lost Apothecary – for dual timelines, determined women, and long-buried secrets finally coming to light.

Final Thoughts

If Rebecca and a cozy bookshop had a faith-filled Gothic mystery baby, it would probably look a lot like The Bookshop of 99 Doors.

Come for the bookshop.

Stay for the secrets.

And don’t expect much sleep.

Posted in Bookshelf Favorites

Best Cozy Mystery Books for Beginners

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

I love a good mystery. I love a good ghost story. And even more, I love when the two come together and create a cozy paranormal mystery.

My favorite books in this genre are the ones where both the ghosts and the victims have complex stories to tell. My job as the reader is simple: I grab a blanket, pour a warm drink, settle in, and let their worlds unfold.

Here are some of my top favorites—clean reads that are perfect for beginners just starting to dip their toes into cozy and paranormal mystery waters.

1. The Aurora Teagarden Series – Charlaine Harris

I would generally hesitate to recommend anything by Charlaine Harris because of the graphic nature of her Sookie Stackhouse series. However, my sister recommended this series to me years ago, and I ended up really enjoying the mysteries.

These stories lean more character-driven than violent, and the backstories are genuinely well written. Across the series, you also get solid character growth that keeps things engaging.

Unpopular opinion: I didn’t NOT enjoy the Aurora Teagarden adaptations done by Hallmark. That said, while these books may feel primed for television, I do think some stories are better left on the page where imagination does the work.

2. The Ghost Hunter Series – Angie Fox

If you’re just starting out in paranormal cozy mysteries, this series is a great place to begin.

The character growth stands out, and the stories are genuinely enjoyable—some stronger than others, if I’m being honest. Still, the characters alone are what kept me coming back again and again. I’m currently on my second reread, which says a lot.

The ghost stories themselves are also genuinely fun. The spirits have personalities and ongoing storylines, which creates great worldbuilding and makes the series feel connected from book to book.

3. Anything by Agatha Christie

I would be remiss not to include Agatha Christie on this list.

Small disclaimer – I’ve only read one of her books, And Then There Were None, but I could not put it down once I started. She absolutely earns her reputation as the queen of mystery. While my reading experience is limited so far, I’ve also watched many adaptations on BritBox.

At some point, I fully intend to sit down, have a come-to-Jesus moment with myself, and finally work my way through more of her books.

4. The Tradd Street Series – Karen White

I enjoyed the early books in this series quite a bit. The ghost stories are excellent, and the mysteries twist and turn in satisfying ways before finally resolving. The atmosphere really stands out, and I initially liked the characters as well.

However, a few books in, the character development started to fall flat for me. If that matters less to you and you’re mainly here for the hauntings and mystery, then this series is still well worth reading. But if strong character development is a priority, you might walk away a little disappointed.

Side note: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Karen White’s standalone novels. They are very well done and worth picking up.

And maybe that’s why I love cozy and paranormal mysteries so much. Beneath the ghosts, the clues, and the old houses with too many secrets, these stories are almost always about people – about grief, history, healing, love, and the things we leave behind.

They remind us that every place has a story, every person carries one, and sometimes even the dead still have something left to say.

So if you’re looking for mysteries that feel atmospheric without being overwhelming, haunting without being terrifying, and comforting enough to read curled up under a blanket on a rainy afternoon, these books are a wonderful place to begin.

Just don’t blame me when one book turns into an entire obsession.

Posted in Bookshelf Favorites

Books Keeping Me Company Lately

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

There’s something comforting about finding stories that feel like coming home. Lately, I’ve been leaning into cozy mysteries, small-town settings, gentle suspense, and books that let me slow down for a little while. Some of these I listened to while crocheting or working on jewelry designs, and others became the perfect companion for quiet evenings with coffee and a blanket nearby.

If your reading taste leans toward cozy, clean, atmospheric, and comforting with just enough mystery to keep the pages turning, these books might find a place on your nightstand too.

Cozy Mysteries I Can’t Stop Reading

The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series by Angie Fox completely pulled me in lately. These books have the perfect mix of humor, paranormal mystery, quirky characters, and cozy Southern charm.

Recent Favorites from the Series

  • Secrets, Lies and Fireflies
  • Death at the Drive-In
  • Dread and Buried
  • Give Up the Ghost
  • The Haunted Homecoming

These books feel like curling up with a Hallmark mystery movie… if the town happened to come with ghosts and hilarious supernatural chaos. They’re light enough to relax with but still keep me turning pages long past bedtime.

Small-Town Comfort Reads

Sometimes I don’t want high drama or emotionally exhausting stories. I want charming towns, layered characters, and the kind of books that feel warm and familiar.

Books That Gave Me That Feeling

  • The Sunshine Potluck Society by Lilly Mirren
  • The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber
  • The House at Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr

These are the kinds of stories I love listening to while crafting. They’re calming without being boring, emotional without becoming heavy, and full of the kind of cozy atmosphere I always seem to crave.

Mystery Reads with Atmospheric Vibes

I’ve also been enjoying mysteries that feel a little moodier and more layered.

Recently Read

  • Telling Tales
  • The Crow Trap

Both by Ann Cleeves.

These books have such a strong sense of place. I love mysteries where the setting almost becomes its own character, and these definitely delivered that for me.

I also recently read:

  • You’d Be Home Now
  • The Cut

Both had a very different feel from my usual cozy reads, but sometimes stepping outside my comfort zone reminds me why I love reading in the first place. Every book leaves something behind, even the unexpected ones.

Why Cozy Reading Matters to Me

Reading has become part of the rhythm of my everyday life. Some people unwind with television. I unwind with stories, yarn, embroidery floss, coffee, and audiobooks playing softly in the background.

Books help me slow down.

They help me reconnect creatively.

And honestly, they make ordinary evenings feel a little more magical.

That’s what I hope this space becomes here at Clean Reads & Cozy Sips — a cozy corner for readers who love comforting stories, meaningful characters, peaceful routines, and the quiet joy of getting lost in a good book.