Step into the charming world of the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, where a bicycle shop owner and her book club turn amateur sleuths in the picturesque Cape Cod town of Westham! Written by Maddie Day, this delightful cozy mystery series blends small-town charm, clever whodunits, and a cast of endearing characters that keep readers coming back for more. Perfect for fans of lighthearted intrigue, it’s an escape to a seaside village where every mystery is as inviting as a warm summer breeze.
With its unique premise of a book club solving real-life crimes using tips from their favorite cozy mysteries, the series offers a meta twist that mystery lovers adore. Let’s dive into the origins, stories, and lasting appeal of this gem of a series!
How Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries Began
Maddie Day, a pseudonym for Agatha Award-winning author Edith Maxwell, launched the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries in 2019 with Murder on Cape Cod. Inspired by her love for Cape Cod’s iconic beaches and vibrant community, Maxwell crafted the fictional village of Westham as a nod to the region’s charm. A talented amateur chef with a PhD in linguistics, Maxwell infuses her stories with authenticity, drawing on her experiences in New England to create a setting that feels like home.
The series was born from Maxwell’s desire to blend her passion for cozy mysteries with a fresh angle: a book club that doesn’t just read about crimes but solves them. Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida, the spunky protagonist, runs a bike shop and hosts the Cozy Capers book group, making her the perfect guide for readers pedaling through Westham’s mysteries.
The Heart of Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries
The series kicks off with Murder on Cape Cod (2019), where Mac stumbles over a body and must clear her name—and her brother’s—when a familiar knife becomes evidence. In Murder at the Taffy Shop (2021), Mac’s friend Gin faces suspicion after a genealogist is poisoned, pulling the book club into a sticky investigation. Murder in a Cape Cottage (2022) takes a spooky turn as Mac uncovers a skeleton in a cottage wall, unraveling a decades-old tale of star-crossed lovers. The latest, Murder at Cape Costumers (2025), sees Halloween turn deadly when a costume shop owner’s boyfriend is found dead.
Themes of community, friendship, and clever problem-solving shine throughout. Westham’s seaside setting, with its bike trails and quaint shops like Salty Taffy’s, grounds the stories in a cozy, lived-in vibe. The book club’s meta approach—using fictional sleuthing techniques to crack real cases—adds a playful layer, while Maxwell’s vivid descriptions bring Cape Cod’s magical light and salty air to life. From spring festivals to Hanukkah parties, the series weaves cultural details and recipes (like Tim’s Bear Claws) that make every book a sensory treat.
The mysteries are accessible yet engaging, with twists that keep readers guessing. Mac’s relationships—with her fiancé Tim, her parrot Belle, and her eclectic book club—add warmth, making the series as much about heart as it is about whodunits.
Why Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries Resonates
The Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by balancing comfort and intrigue. Fans praise the series for its relatable characters and immersive setting, with reviews calling it “a perfect escape” and “highly engaging.” Its focus on community reflects real-world tensions, like housing struggles on Cape Cod, grounding the cozy vibe in authenticity.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a world where clever amateurs outsmart killers, all while sipping coffee at the Rusty Anchor Pub. Maxwell’s Agatha Award-winning storytelling ensures each book feels fresh yet familiar, making it a must-read for cozy fans craving a seaside sleuthing adventure.
- First Book: Murder on Cape Cod (2019)
- Latest Book: Murder at Cape Costumers (2025)
- Number of Books: 7
- Awards: Written by Agatha Award-winning author Maddie Day (Edith Maxwell)
Grab Murder on Cape Cod and pedal into the cozy, mysterious world of Westham with Mac and her book club sleuths!