When you're looking to get lost in a book, sometimes you need your reading material to match your mood. With Marie Claire's series "Buy the Book," we do the heavy lifting for you. We're offering curated, highly specific recommendations for whatever you're looking for—whether you're in your feels or hooked on a subgenre trending on #BookTok.
When you're looking to unwind, nothing soothes stress like...murder. Hear us out: We mean getting lost in a great "cozy mystery" book. These murder-mystery novels aren't grisly true-crime or dark thrillers that haunt you long after the final chapter, they have a feel-good quality. With their lighthearted tone, frequent charming countryside settings, and lovable characters, these novels are more wholesome and will put your nerves at ease as you piece together the puzzle at their center. From nosy neighbors pitching in to collar a thief to down-and-out detectives who find their spark again, cozy mystery books feature everyday folks doing their part to make the world a little safer. The best part? They often end with hopeful little twists to make you feel better about humanity.
