There's been a murder - and we are about to meet the suspects, who quite often live in a sleepy village. Twists, turns, hidden clues and red herrings - it's all in a day's work for the local detective.
It's fair to say, cosy crime novels are having a moment. Those of us who are looking for a little escapism take on the role of amateur detective in a whodunnit or intriguing mystery. No gory murder scenes here.
Of course, this isn't a new phenomenon. Agatha Christie was the doyenne of the genre. Iconic books, such as Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, and famous creations Miss Marple and detective Hercule Poirot, made her an international name, with countless films, TV series and theatre productions adapted from her novels.
And now it seems the genre is enjoying a renaissance. With nearly 11 million crime books sold so far in 2023*, and the likes of Richard Osman breaking literary records, cosy crime authors look set to be a permanent fixture. Here are some of our all-time favourites that are worth a read.
Richard Osman
Esta historia es de la edición October 17, 2023 de Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 17, 2023 de Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing