13 Cozy Reads Set in Bookstores for Your Next Reading Adventure
1. To the Tome of Murder
In "To the Tome of Murder," bookshop owner Addie Greyborne faces a pile of challenges three weeks before Thanksgiving, including a surprising twist involving a grisly crime. The discovery of her cousin’s boyfriend’s murder leads Addie on a quest to connect disparate clues—like a vintage briefcase and a first edition of "Mary Had a Little Lamb"—to uncover the killer’s identity. This cozy mystery captivates with its small-town charm and the mysterious depths of literary treasures.
Read More2. The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry
Gabrielle Zevin’s bestseller tells the heartwarming story of A. J. Fikry, whose life is transformed by a peculiar package delivered to his struggling bookstore. As he grapples with his wife’s death and a burglary that robs him of a rare collection of Poe poems, the arrival of an unexpected gift sets him on a path of redemption. The narrative beautifully captures the undeniable magic of human connections formed through books.
Read More3. The Little Paris Bookshop
Jean Perdu, the literary apothecary in Nina George’s "The Little Paris Bookshop," heals heartaches from his floating bookstore on the Seine. When he finally reads a letter left by his long-lost love, Perdu sets sail for the south of France, seeking closure. Alongside a bestselling author and a lovelorn chef, he discovers that the journey through literature can heal even the most profound wounds of the soul.
Read More4. The Last Bookshop in London
Set against the backdrop of World War II, Madeline Martin’s "The Last Bookshop in London" introduces us to Grace Bennett, who finds solace and purpose in a dusty London bookshop amid the Blitz. Through blackouts and air raids, the transformative power of books unites a community and offers hope in the darkest times. This novel is a tribute to the enduring influence of bookstores in times of crisis.
Read More5. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
In Robin Sloan’s "Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore," Clay Jannon’s curiosity lands him in a curious bookstore with peculiar customers who check out highly obscure volumes. His investigation into this leads to a mystery involving data visualization and global conspiracies. This enchanting tale combines modern technology with the charm of old bookstores, offering an exhilarating literary adventure.
Read More6. The Bookshop on the Corner
Jenny Colgan’s "The Bookshop on the Corner" follows Nina Redmond, a librarian who turns her redundancy into opportunity by starting a bookmobile in a quaint village. Her journey in finding the perfect book for her every reader transforms not only lives but also her own, bringing happiness and belonging. This delightful tale celebrates the magic of books and the joy of pursuing a dream.
Read More7. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
Abbi Waxman’s "The Bookish Life of Nina Hill" introduces us to introverted new bookstore employee Nina Hill, who finds her quiet life disrupted when she inherits a large extended family she never knew existed. Caught between the pages of novels and the realities of a newfound family, Nina navigates her way through this unexpected chapter filled with humor and heart.
Read More8. The Plot Is Murder
V. M. Burns’ "The Plot Is Murder" centers on Samantha Washington, who dreams of opening a mystery bookstore while writing one of her own set in war-time England. When a shady realtor is found dead in her backyard, Samantha becomes the prime suspect and must use her sleuthing skills to clear her name. Assisted by her spirited grandmother, she uncovers more than a murder mystery.
Read More9. The Bookshop of Second Chances
In "The Bookshop of Second Chances" by Jackie Fraser, Thea receives an unexpected inheritance of a book collection and a house in Scotland after a series of personal setbacks. Escaping to a small Scottish town, she encounters two brothers whose lives are just as tangled as her own. This charming story reveals how new beginnings can bloom from the most unexpected places.
Read More10. For Whom the Book Tolls
Laura Gail Black’s "For Whom the Book Tolls" follows Jenna Quinn, who inherits her uncle’s antique bookstore after discovering his body. To clear her name from suspicion and continue her uncle's legacy, Jenna must uncover the real killer. This gripping debut features a cozy small-town setting and a plot as intricate as the antique tomes it revolves around.
Read More11. The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend
"The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend" by Katarina Bivald is a tale of Sara, a Swedish booklover who travels to Iowa to meet her pen pal, only to find herself at a funeral. As she takes over a bookstore in a dying town, quirky characters and the love of books breathe life back into the community. This heartwarming novel celebrates the joy of literature and the unexpected places it can take us.
Read More12. The Words Between Us
Erin Bartels’ "The Words Between Us" tells the story of Robin Windsor, who hides from a scandal-ridden past in her used bookstore. As books from her past begin to arrive, Robin must confront her history and the unresolved love she left behind. This evocative story explores the profound impact of words and the bridges they build between us.
Read More13. Trouble on the Books
In Essie Lang’s "Trouble on the Books," former editor Shelby Cox returns to her hometown to manage her aunt’s bookstore, only to find a murder that needs solving. With a mix of historical intrigue and present-day suspense, Shelby dives into the community and the stacks to uncover the mystery, all while navigating her new role in the world of bookselling.
Read MoreClosing
Each of these captivating reads draws you into the world of bookstores, where mysteries unfold, romance sparkles, and lives are transformed. Whether you're a bookworm looking for your next literary adventure or just in need of a cozy, uplifting story, these novels are bound to charm you with their unique settings and heartfelt narratives. Grab your favorite mug of tea, find a snug corner, and let these bookstore-set tales transport you to a world where literature reigns supreme.