Some of my favorite cozy mysteries feature lovable canine companions. Here are four series starters you might enjoy (alphabetically by the author’s last name)—plus one bonus recommendation from a certain golden retriever who insisted on being included.
An English Garden Murder by Katie Gayle
Jake, a scamp of a chocolate Labrador puppy, is the faithful sidekick to retired social worker Julia Bird in this sweet story set in an English Cotswolds village—except, of course, when he’s off causing trouble. While Julia searches for the killer using her intuition, finely honed from years of dealing with the public in difficult circumstances, Jake brings delight to the reader with his antics.
A History of Murder by Brook Peterson
When Chloe Martin returns to Jericho Falls, Nevada, to see her grandmother, she finds more than she expected in the former mining town. The town, which now caters to tourists, is steeped in Old West history, Chloe’s family history, and echoes of her own past. She also finds a handsome police chief, a new friend, a young golden retriever named Jed—and a dead body. Jed provides a comforting presence and quickly nuzzles his way into Chloe’s heart.
Vitamin Sea by Maia Ross
This humorous mystery features retired British spy Irma Abercrombie and her sleuthing sidekick, a young tech whiz named Violet Blackheart. It also includes delightful appearances by Mr. Pugglesworth, the adorable but lethargic pug belonging to Irma’s next-door neighbor. Mr. Pugglesworth adds another layer of comic relief to the laugh-out-loud series and is one of many ways the author shows us that although Irma is quite skilled at espionage and handy with deadly weapons, she also has a softer side.
Keeled Over at the Cliffside by Nancy Stewart
When Dahlia Vale inherits her sister’s inn in a seaside village and moves there to serve as guardian to her tween niece, she brings along her chocolate English Labrador Retriever, Taco Dog. Taco Dog’s main job is to sniff out legumes, to protect Dahlia from allergens. He also proves himself woman’s—and girl’s—best friend, offering love and understanding as Dahlia and her niece work through their grief and learn to be a family. Add in Dahlia’s delightful baking and a dead body or two, and Nancy Stewart delivers a mystery dog lovers are sure to enjoy.
A Bonus Pick: Antiques, Artifacts & Alibis
Bella, the golden retriever in my own Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery series, says I would be remiss if I didn’t include her. She’s a favorite of both mine and my readers as she helps Libby Ballard, director of the Dogwood Springs History Museum, search for clues. Readers often tell me they wish they could move to Dogwood Springs and that they’ve fallen in love with Bella.
