I love magical books, especially cozy mysteries, that help me escape reality a little while.
Two years ago, when I started writing The Faerie Apothecary Mysteries, it was nice to jump into a world where magic was possible. Yesterday was Saint Patrick's Day, and it reminded me of the setting of Moss Hill, since the series takes place on an imaginary island near Ireland. We all know imaginary places aren't subject to quarantine, so I'm happily diving into a few magical settings while the world slows pace outside.
I'm one who likes to stay at home, especially if I'm reading or writing. This week I'm doing just that. Since many of you might be staying home, too, I thought we could share some of our favorite magical books to help each other get away for a while - in our minds, anyway, since cruise ships and exotic destinations are a no-go for a while.
Here are some of my favorite magical series that I've read or are on my to-be-read list:
1. Magical Bookshop Mysteries by Amanda Flower
I'm up-to-date on this series. Once I read the first one, I was hooked and had to read them all. I think it was the mystery about Iris's past that sucked me in, but the bookshop itself made me stay for the whole series. I mean, who wouldn't want to own a bookstore with a magical tree in the center of it? And one where the books literally fly off the shelves, sending mystical messages to readers that give hints about their fates? I'm in! I'll probably just keep devouring each book as it comes out.
2. Aunt Dimity Mystery series by Nancy Atherton
It took me some time to get into the first book. The mystery develops slowly, but it becomes a ghost story by the end of it, complete with a spooky characters in a mansion and a haunted cottage, which is probably why I did end up liking the series the more I read. Who doesn't love a ghost story?
3. The Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery series by Ellery Adams
I like Ellery Adams' take on witches in this series. It's a neat idea that a family of Morgan Le Faye's descendants each have their own special magic that they use in their professions. The main character bakes emotions into her pies, which can influence those who eat at her pie shop. I'm sure we've all had a warm feeling eating a dessert that was "made with love." That's a kind of magic, right? Well, maybe not one as literal as Ella Mae's powers, but I still believe "made with love" is more than just a sentiment. 4. Magical Cats Cozy Mystery series by Sofie Kelly
I'm a sucker for books about librarians, probably because I've always seen libraries as magical places. I read the first book along with a book group and just purchased the second of this series as an audiobook, so I'll be listening to that while doing my house cleaning/organizing this week. Nothing makes cleaning go faster than listening to a book!
5. Mystic Springs Paranormal Cozy Mystery series by Mona Marple
I just purchased a three-book set and I thought the premise looked interesting with some reviewers mentioning ghosts living alongside the community. I haven't read it yet, but it's on my TBR list and I'm looking forward to it.
There are some other great sites with recommendations of magical cozy mysteries, which I linked to below, but I'm curious to hear your favorites. Do you have a magical series you love? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter!
Cozy Mysteries Unlimited
Goodreads Magical Cozy Mysteries list:
Amazon Bestsellers: Witch and Wizard Mysteries
Of course, I also have to mention my Faerie Apothecary Mysteries, set on a magical island with faerie and human neighbors, and my new series, A Witch's Thrift Shop, which takes place on a hidden street called Magic Row. If you haven't checked these out yet, they are on Amazon now. I've also met some great cozy mystery authors on Twitter, whether they write paranormal or other sub-genres of cozy mysteries. I try to re-tweet their books when I see them, so check them out, too!
Everyone stay safe, happy, and healthy and thanks for reading!