Originally published on 4/2/26

Easter is almost here—and if your to-do list is overflowing, you deserve a little “me time” between all the baking, meal planning, basket stuffing and other holiday prep. Enter cozy mysteries. These page-turning whodunits deliver all the suspense without the gore (and with plenty of small-town charm). Even better: Some of the best books in this genre are set during Easter! Think egg hunts, spring festivals—and an Easter murder mystery! And while many cozies are part of a longer series, these picks work perfectly as standalones—so you can jump in without feeling lost. To discover our top seven Easter cozy mystery books, keep reading! 

‘Hyacinths, Egg Hunts and Death’ by Constance Barker

Book two in Constance Barker’s beloved Knick-Knack Boutique Mystery series follows amateur sleuth Lyndy Walsh, after a murder threatens to ruin her small town’s Easter celebrations. The $10k Golden Egg Scavenger Hunt was meant to bring tourists to Anderson Springs—not murderers. But after multiple people are found dead, Lyndy has no choice but to investigate. To do so, she teams up with Sheriff Cody Remington, her neighbor Matilda Oates and a private investigator named Hector Sandoval, all of whom know bits and pieces of information that could help Lyndy track down the murderer. A page-turning tale with a twist no one will see coming. 

What readers are saying: “This page-turning novel was quilted together with fantastic story-telling from a mystery seekers perspective! Any mystery involving a Nancy Drew type character is a must read! Lyndy will never stop until she solves the mystery of who stole the prize egg, and who killed who! Check it out!” 

‘Easter Egg Murder’ by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis and Peggy Ehrhart 

This collection of three Easter cozy mysteries is a delight. The first story, written by Meier,  follows reporter Lucy Stone, whose French getaway turns deadly when Fabergé-style decoy eggs go missing and a cook turns up dead. In Hollis’ Easter murder mystery, Death by Another Easter Egg, restaurant owner Hayley Powell races to solve a poisoning that threatens her Bar Harbor eatery’s reputation. Finally, in Ehrhart’s Easter murder mystery, An Eggy Way to Die, Pamela and Bettina stumble upon a local cookbook author’s body surrounded by broken eggs at an Easter egg hunt. Can all three investigators crack the case before it’s too late? Only time will tell. 

What readers are saying: “I enjoyed all three Easter stories. Each one was so different from the others. Romance, mystery and intrigue mixed in with some suspense and danger!” 

‘Chocolate Bunny Betrayal’ by Tonya Kappes 

From bestselling author Tonya Kappes comes another captivating cozy mystery that will delight readers. Holiday Junction’s Hip Hop Hurray Easter Festival is in full swing, and the last thing anyone expects to find is a dead body. But when journalist and amateur sleuth Violet Rhinehammer discovers one, things take a turn for the worst. Now Violet must hunt for clues and try to catch the killer…before it’s too late. 

What readers are saying: “Every time I read a Tonya Kappes book, it feels like a girls night out: gossip, southern manners and southern sass, a little intrigue, a little crazy-zany, loving support, good food and a few laughs. They have become my go-to comfort books. This was a quick and fun read, with plenty of clues and twists to keep you guessing.” 

‘Easter Egg Theft’ by Arthur Pearce 

Book seven in the Jim and Ginger Cozy Mysteries follows Jim Butterfield, a former librarian turned private investigator, and his cat Ginger as they  investigate the disappearance of a jewel-encrusted golden egg during Oceanview Cove’s annual Easter Fair. As the investigation begins, secrets begin to emerge, forcing Jim and Ginger to think outside the box. 

What readers are saying: “As these books proceed, they get better and better. The plots get a bit more complex and the mysteries more interesting.” 

‘Death of a Dumb Bunny’ by Melanie Jackson 

Loveable characters? Check! A festive backdrop? Check! A must-read Easter murder mystery? Check! This book by Melanie Jackson has it all. When the Hope Falls Easter Bunny winds up dead, Chloe Boston and her dog Blue are called to investigate. But can they catch the killer before he or she strikes again? Or are Hope Falls’ Easter celebrations ruined for good? 

What readers are saying: “If you’re looking for a cozy mystery series that will entertain you, warm your heart and make you laugh, then the Chloe Boston series is perfect. Also, if it’s a holiday time of year and you’re feeling a little stressed or down, Chloe is sure to lift your spirits. I am already looking forward to the next book!” 

‘Easter Egg Hunt Murder’ by Rachel Woods 

 

This springtime mystery features a devoted dad and journalist as he navigates murder, bedtime routines and more against a gorgeous Caribbean backdrop. All Roland “Beanie” Bean wants is a cozy Easter with his son. But when his son accidentally leads him to a dead body, Bean has no choice but to investigate what his newspaper is calling “The Egg Hunt Murder.” Can he crack the case before it’s too late or will the town’s Easter celebration be ruined? 

What readers are saying: “A cleverly developed, well-written cozy mystery. Easter Egg Hunt Murder by Rachel Woods will warm your heart at times, or send a frisson of fear down your spine as the plot thickens.” 

‘Bunny Donuts & a Body’ by Cindy Bell 

From USA Today bestselling author Cindy Bell comes another fun and festive tale. Joyce and Brenda are thrilled when their food truck, Donuts on the Move, is invited to an Easter egg hunt, but when someone winds up dead in the park, the duo decide to take matters into their own hands and investigate, even though Detective Crackle has made it very clear that he doesn’t want their help. Still, Joyce and Brenda try to catch the killer, even if it means putting themselves—and their beloved business—in trouble. 

What readers are saying: “A great cozy mystery with an Easter theme! Great characters, a suspenseful mystery, loyal friendships, a possible budding romance and yummy donut recipes”

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/discover-easter-murder-mystery-books-to-read-this-spring