Cozy Mysteries discussion

In another discussion, someone asked, "Any good cozy mysteries that DON'T have love triangles as part of the story? I've grown quite weary of that particular writing cliché and would really prefer to avoid it completely if at all possible..."

Many suggestions were made, and it occured to me that others may have the same interest, so...this is the place to offer your suggestions for authors/mystery series that have NO love triangle. I'll start us off with suggestions already made, as well as a few I added myself.

Link to or type out author/series you would add to the list — no covers please!


Ellery Adams — Books by the Bay and Charmed Pie Shoppe series
Susan Wittig Albert — China Bayles series, Beatrix Potter series
Jeffrey Allen — Stay at Home Dad series
Madelyn Alt — Bewitching series
Donna Andrews — Meg Langslow series
Nancy Atherton — Aunt Dimity

Kathleen Bacus — Calamity Jayne series
Nevada Barr — Anna Pigeon series
Juliet Blackwell — Witchcraft series, Haunted Home Renovation series
Heather Blake — Wishcraft series
Annette Blair — Vintage Magic series
Rhys Bowen — Her Royal Spyness series, Constable Evans series, Molly Murphy series

Kate Carlisle — Bibliophile series
Alyse Carlson — Garden Society series
Sally Carpenter — Sandy Fairfax Teen Idol series
Laura Childs — Cackleberry; Scrapbook; Tea Shop series
Jill Churchill — Jane Jeffrey series, Grace & Favor series
Kate Collins — Flower Shop mystery series
Sheila Connolly — Apple Orchard series, Cork County series, Museum series
Lesley Cookman — Libby Sarjeant
E.J. Copperman — Haunted Guesthouse

Mary Daheim — Bed-and-Breakfast series; Emma Lord series
Casey Daniels — Pepper Martin
Diane Mott Davidson — Goldy Bear Culinary mystery series
Jo Dereske — A Miss Zukas Mystery

Selma Eichler — Desiree Shapiro series
Aaron J. Elkins — Gideon Oliver series
Kathleen Ernst — Chloe Ellefson
Mary Anna Evans — Faye Longchamp Mystery series

Nancy Fairbanks — Carolyn Blue series
Jerrilyn Farmer — A Madeline Bean Catering Mystery
Earlene Fowler — Bennie Harper series

Anne George — Southern Sisters series
Veryl Ann Grace — Flock & Fiber series
Beth Groundwater — Claire Hanover, Gift Basket Designer; RM Outdoor Adventures series

Carolyn Hart — Death on Demand and Henry O series
Julie Hyzy — White House Chef and Manor House series

Nancy Lynn Jarvis — Regan McHenry Real Estate series

Alice Kimberly — Haunted Bookshop series
Kate Kingsbury — Pennyfoot Hotel series

Victoria Laurie — Psychic Eye series
Anna Loan-Wilsey — Hattie Davish series
Jess Lourey — Murder-by-Month mystery series
Sheila Lowe — Forensic Handwriting series

Karen MacInerney — Gray Whale Inn mystery series
Rett MacPherson — Torie O'Shea (genealogy) series
Nancy Martin — Blackbird Sisters
Marja McGraw — Sandi Webster and Bogey Man series
Cricket McRae — Home Crafting series
Leslie Meier — Lucy Stone series

Karen Musser Nortman — The Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries

Robin Paige — Victorian mysteries
Elizabeth Peters — Amelia Peabody
Nancy Pickard — Jenny Cain series

Wendy Roberts — Ghost Dusters series
Annelise Ryan — Mattie Winston series
Maggie Sefton — Knitting mystery series

Joanna Campbell Slan — Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery
Patricia Sprinkle — Thoroughly Southern; Family Tree Genealogy series
Sarah Strohmeyer — Bubbles Yablonsky series
Leann Sweeney — Yellow Rose and Cats in Trouble series

Terri Thayer — Stamping Sisters series
Margaret Truman — Capitol Crimes series

Lea Wait — Mainely Needlepoint series
Livia J. Washburn — Delilah Dickinson Literary Tour series; Fresh-Baked;
Heather Webber — Lucy Valentine series
Charlene Weir — Chief Susan Wren
Marty Wingate — Potting Shed series

Victoria Laurie's Psychic Eye series also has no love triangle.

Regan McHenry Real Estate Mysteries series. Regan is happily married to Tom Kiley. Her best friend is a cop named Dave...but Dave is happily married to Sandy. No triangles.

Heather L wrote: "In another discussion, someone asked, "Any good cozy mysteries that DON'T have love triangles as part of the story? I've grown quite weary of that particular writing cliché and would really prefer ..."

Neither of my series--Yellow Rose Mysteries or Cats in Trouble Mysteries have a love triangle.

Leann Sweeney

Maggie Sefton - Knitting shop mysteries
Margaret Truman - Capital mysteries
Mary Daheim - Bed & breakfast mysteries (not sure about her other series as I haven't read those)
Carolyn Hart - Death on Demand and Henrie O

Great lists here. Thanks all.

Linda wrote: "Maggie Sefton - Knitting shop mysteries
Margaret Truman - Capital mysteries
Mary Daheim - Bed & breakfast mysteries (not sure about her other series as I haven't read those)
Carolyn Hart - Death on..."

I read one of the Capital Mysteries you mentioned. Was really good. Want to read another. My small library has a lot of them since she is from Missouri.

Julie Hyzy - White House chef series

Great suggestions, guys! A couple of these are series I've read, but forgot about while compiling the list. I also forgot about Madelyn Alt's series, so added that, too. Oh, and just thought of another. I know Alice Kimberly's Haunted Bookshop series fits. For those who have read her other persona, Cleo Coyle, do those work as well?

Sort of, Heather. Clare, the main character, has a love interest, but her ex-husband is also her business partner and though they claim to be finished with each other, every now and then, their actions would beg to differ.

Heather L wrote: "Great suggestions, guys! A couple of these are series I've read, but forgot about while compiling the list. I also forgot about Madelyn Alt's series, so added that, too..."

Madelyn Alt's series has a minor love triangle in the first 2 books (or maybe 3, can't remember) but it's such an insignificant detail that it's barely worth mentioning, especially since the whole series is so good. You know what, just ignore this and read the series anyway. :)

lol - Tam is right. The triangle is presented in such a way that you *know* how it'll wind up and when it's finally resolved... well, if you like paranormal mysteries I recommend reading the series.

(Now if the damn author would write the next damn book...)

❂ Jennifer wrote: "lol - Tam is right. The triangle is presented in such a way that you *know* how it'll wind up and when it's finally resolved... well, if you like paranormal mysteries I recommend reading the serie..."

And it's been over a year since the new book was supposed to come out, I wish the author would cast a banish spell over whatever problems she's having!

Tam ツ wrote: "Madelyn Alt's series has a minor love triangle in the first 2 books (or maybe 3, can't remember) but it's such an insignificant detail that it's barely worth mentioning, especially since the whole series is so good. You know what, just ignore this and read the series anyway."

Ack! I forgot about that. I was too focused on Marcus, and who could blame a girl for that? But -- as you said, it's only for a couple of books, and is set up so that the reader pretty much knows the outcome before it happens. (view spoiler)[(And, as I recall, Maggie got involved with the one guy mostly because of a misconception in which she thought the one she really wanted was already taken. So...don't think it really counts. ☺ (hide spoiler)]

And yeah...where the heck is book 8? I've been waiting for this one and the 6th Haunted Bookshop for ages now. Both were scheduled for release, then never materialized.

Heather L wrote: "Tam ツ wrote: "Ack! I forgot about that. I was too focused on Marcus, and who could blame a girl for that? But -- as you said, it's only for a couple of books, and is set up so that the reader pretty much knows the outcome before it happens. (view spoiler)..."

(view spoiler)[I figured the cop would end up with Maggie's BFF, I was glad the author didn't do that. (hide spoiler)]

Tam: I'm glad she didn't do that, either. :)

Heather L wrote: "Tam: I'm glad she didn't do that, either. :)"

I *really* don't like the cop...

Can't say I'm much of a fan, either. ☺

Great topic- I find that my favorite cozies are free of the dreaded love triangle.

Heather, are you compiling all the additional series into the list you posted in message #1?

Thanks, Laurie!

Barb -- Yes, I did. I actually planned to reserve the second post in case more space was needed, but 1) my stupid virus program kicked in right as I hit "post" and froze me (continue working while we install my aunt fanny...) and 2) even though it was midnight, some people around here are waaaay too fast and posted before I could get back in. Ah, well... Guess we'll work around that if and when it becomes necessary. *g*

Ahh, sorry Heather! I (obviously) missed that you'd already done that. Oooops!

If it becomes necessary to have a second post, you can always post a link to the follow up post up there in message #1 with the rest of the list :)

Oh hey! lol - in my defence, it wasn't past midnight here, it was early afternoon, and I was at work and bored out of my mind. :D

If you end up needing post 2, I'm happy to co-curate the list at that point.

Barb ~ Yeah, that's what I figured I'd have to do. I feel like I'm missing a major series that I like, but keep coming up blank. Might have to scan the shelves again, LOL.

Jennifer ~ No biggie, I'm just joshin' you. ;) I know some of you have noon (give or take a few hours) when most of us are (or should) be in bed. It was just my luck that the one time when the board is usually quieter it wasn't, coupled with the poor timing of an automatic update installing. Murphey really hates me some days. ;)

I know - I was laughing as I wrote my first response. :) But do let me know if you need the room later on down the road.

I too, feel like I'm missing a couple of really good, major series that don't have triangles... I'll have to peruse my shelves at home and jog my memory...

Yeah, I know that there are more, I'm just not remembering them. I'm thinking that the Flock and Fiber mysteries by Veryl Ann Grace are love-triangle free, but it's been awhile since I've read one.

Murder Spins a Tale

Just saw another series on a different thread that fits this one - Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone series. Also Nancy Fairbanks culinary mysteries, Anne George's Southern sisters, Patricia Sprinkle's Thoroughly Southern mysteries and Selma Eichler's Desiree Shapiro. Amazing how many you can come up with, I started with one and then came up with four more.

Jennifer: Thanks, I will keep it in mind.

Laurie: I had not heard of that one, but from the description, it sounds like it would fit.

Linda: Don't you love how that happens? One thought leads to another and another and...grin. Thanks for the suggestions, will get them added.

Oh, that was me that originally asked for cozies that were love-triangle free. What an awesome list you ladies have compiled. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. I can see that I have many, many happy hours of reading ahead of me. :)

I can even add a series of my own. The Blackbird Sisters mystery series by Nancy Martin has been love triangle free at least through book 5, which is as far as I've gotten so far.

Okay, after perusing my shelves, I have added several names (how on earth did we miss Nancy Atherton??), as well as Linda and Laurie's suggestions. There are dozens more with which I need some help.

The following are authors I believe are love-triangle free, and are slated to be added to our list—unless I am told otherwise. I've only read the first one or two books in each of these series, and think they fit, but am not sure, so let me know if any should be removed.

Avery Aames — Cheese Shop series
Elizabeth Lynn Casey — Southern Sewing Circle
Christy Evans — Georgiana Neverall series
Rebecca M. Hale — Cats & Curios series
Charlaine Harris — Aurora Teagarden; Lily Bard* series
B.B. Haywood — Candy Holliday series
Elise Hyatt — Daring Finds mysteries
Sue Ann Jaffarian — Odelia Grey; Ghost of Granny Apples series
Sharon Pape — Portrait of Crime series
Hannah Reed — Queen Bee series
Paige Shelton — Farmers Market; Gram’s Country Cooking School
Rochelle Staab — Mind for Murder series
Wendy Lyn Watson — Mystery a la Mode series


The following are series I have not yet read, or that I have heard of, but think might fit. Again, let me know if any should be removed.

Lucy Arlington — Novel Idea mysteries
Ella Barrick — Ballroom Dance series
Mollie Cox Bryan — Cumberland Creek series
Margaret Grace — Miniature mystery series
Martha Grimes — Richard Jury; Emma Graham; and Andi Oliver series
Linda O Johnston — Pet Sitter series; Pet Rescue series
Allison Kingsley — Raven’s Nest Bookstore series
John J Lamb — Bear Collector’s series
Joyce and Jim Lavene — Missing Pieces; Renaissance Faire; Peggy Lee Garden series
Kylie Logan — Button Box; League of Literary Ladies; Chili Cook-Off series
Ada Madison — Sophie Knowles (math) series
Kari Lee Townsend — Fortune Teller series

Thanks, Veronica — I will add Nancy Martin to our list. ☺

Laura Childs' Cackleberry Club series and Tea Shop series are good additions to the list. In her scrapbook series, the ex-husband keeps hanging around, but I don't know if you'd count that as a triangle or not.

I've only read one of the Novel Ideas series, so I can't speak to that, but the Miranda James' Cat in the Stacks series is (so far) triangle-free, as is Livia Washburn's Fresh-Baked series.

Doh! Forgot to mention Rhys Bowen's Her Royal Spyness series. Also her Evan Evans series is triangle free.

Also, Jerrilyn Farmer and Jill Churchill, but they're older-catalog books that many might not be able to find. Both really excellent authors though.

Thanks for these suggestions! I thought I was the only one annoyed by love triangles.

Has Stay At Home Dead by Jeffery Allen been mentioned? I am reading book 3 right now and love the series - the couple is 100% monogamous.

Just occurred to me, the Murder by Month series by Jess Lourey doesn't have a love triangle (unless you count Mira's crush on the statue of Chief Wenonga as one side of the triangle)

Both of my series, the Claire Hanover gift basket designer series and the RM Outdoor Adventures series, don't have a love triangle.

I just finished The Blue Coyote: The Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries. This series does not have any love triangles either.

Thanks for all the input, everyone. Will have to add some series to our list tomorrow. Didn't get home until after 9:30 tonight (last Concert on the Square of the summer) and am too tired to work on it tonight. I think I hear my bed calling me... ;)

I write two series, neither with triangles. The Sandi Webster series is about a young(ish) female P.I. The Bogey Man mysteries are about a Humphrey Bogart look-alike, and they include a wife and son -- kind of a family mystery (no triangle). Just thought I'd mention it.

My series, the Hattie Davish Mystery series, doesn't have a triangle either. You know right away who steals Hattie's heart!

Thanks Anna and Marja--will get you both added! ☺

List has been updated. If you haven't taken a look at tentative additions, please check out this post and add your comments on the listed authors. Thanks! ☺

❂ Jennifer wrote: "Doh! Forgot to mention Rhys Bowen's Her Royal Spyness series. Also her [Constable] Evans series is triangle free."

What about her Molly Murphy series? Anyone familiar with that one?

Heather L wrote: "❂ Jennifer wrote: "Doh! Forgot to mention Rhys Bowen's Her Royal Spyness series. Also her [Constable] Evans series is triangle free."

What about her Molly Murphy series? Anyone familiar with th..."

The Molly Murphy series is my favorite!

Marja: Is it triangle-free?

I believe so!

Heather L wrote: "Marja: Is it triangle-free?"

Yes. Even if she runs across other male characters, she has but one love interest.

Thanks Emily and Marja!

Thanks for keeping the list! I did notice one typo- Mary Anna Evans should be the Faye Longchamp series, not the Miss Zukas series.

Oops...thanks, Laurie. Fixed it!