Who says a murder mystery can't be fun? Cozy fans know that even the most puzzling of crimes can be exciting and even bizarrely uplifting instead of dark and violent. Cozy mysteries earned their fitting moniker as most of the violence happens off the page, keeping the focus squarely on solving the case. Harkening back to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, cozies tend to revolve around perplexing murders and unconventional investigations.

Cozy mysteries are also unique in that they’re typically helmed by amateur sleuths—people who aren't connected to law enforcement or professionally tied to solving crimes, and have far more intriguing stakes in the mysteries. These everyday detectives also offer listeners the opportunity to be a part of the chase, viewing each mystery as a puzzle they can help piece together. Another hallmark of cozies is that they almost always take place in small towns, with the culprit often someone known in the community.

Unlike the grim worlds of many edge-of-your-seat thrillers, cozies capture the feel of a murder mystery dinner party with friends. They are exhilarating, gratifying, and full of warmth. Whether you're new to the genre or an avid fan, here are 20 of the best cozy mystery audiobooks you'll want to give a listen—from cute and quirky genre gems to fan-fave bestsellers.