What is Cozy Case Files?
Cozy Case Files is a recurring series of free digital eBook samplers published by Minotaur Books, an imprint of St. Martin's Publishing Group (Macmillan). Launched in 2017, these collections are released periodically to coincide with seasonal catalogs, giving readers a taste of upcoming and newly released cozy mysteries.
Crucial Reader Note: Unlike traditional mystery anthologies, Cozy Case Files does not compile completed short stories or standalone novellas. Instead, each volume features the opening chapters (excerpts) of several upcoming novels. It is designed as a risk-free promotional tasting menu to help you sample an author's writing style and the premise of a series before deciding to buy the full book.
How to Read Cozy Case Files
Because each volume compiles previews of completely unrelated book series, there is no chronological order or overarching storyline connecting the volumes. You can read them in any order you choose. Here are a few ways to approach the series:
- Start with the Latest Volumes: If you want to discover the freshest authors and the newest releases, begin with the latest additions (such as Volumes 20 through 25).
- Select by Featured Authors: Browse the table of contents of the samplers to find authors you already like or want to try—such as Ellie Alexander, Donna Andrews, Gigi Pandian, or Olivia Blacke—and read those specific volumes.
- Read in Publication Order: If you want to explore older backlists and discover cozy series that have been around for a few years, starting at Volume 1 is a great way to go back in time. Just remember you will need to buy the full novels to find out who the killer was!
The Cozy Case Files Collection
Minotaur Books has published more than 20 samplers since the series began in 2017. Recent seasonal updates have extended the series through Volume 25, offering previews across many cozy subgenres, including culinary capers, pet mysteries, and historical whodunits.
Here is the chronological publication list of the samplers:
- Cozy Case Files Volume 1 (2017)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 2 (2017)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 3 (2017)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 4 (2018)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 5 (2018)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 6 (2019)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 7 (2019)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 8 (2020)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 9 (2020)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 10 (2020)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 11 (2021)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 12 (2021)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 13 (2021)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 14 (2022)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 15 (2022)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 16 (2022)
- Cozy Case Files Volume 17 (2023)
- Cozy Case Files, Volume 18 (2023)
- Cozy Case Files, Volume 19 (2023)
- Cozy Case Files, Volume 20 (2024)
- Cozy Case Files, Volume 21 (2024)
- Cozy Case Files, Volume 22 (2024)
- Cozy Case Files, Volume 23 (2025)
- Cozy Case Files, Volume 24 (2025)
- Cozy Case Files, Volume 25 (2025)
Who are the Featured Authors?
The volumes showcase a diverse mix of both established cozy mystery veterans and debut authors. Recurring writers whose series have been featured include:
- Ellie Alexander: Creator of the popular Oregon-set Bakeshop Mystery series.
- Gigi Pandian: Known for the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
- Donna Andrews: Famous for her Meg Langslow bird-themed mysteries.
- Vivien Chien: Author of the Noodle Shop Mysteries.
- Olivia Blacke: Creator of the Brooklyn Murder Mysteries.