Step into the charming world of the Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery series, where quaint English villages, antique treasures, and clever sleuthing collide! Written by Fiona Grace, this delightful cozy mystery series follows Lacey Doyle, a 39-year-old divorcee who trades the hustle of New York City for the serene seaside town of Wilfordshire. With her loyal English shepherd by her side and a knack for unraveling murders, Lacey’s adventures blend small-town warmth with gripping whodunits that keep readers hooked.
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries like Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple or M.C. Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth, this series offers a refreshing escape into a world of cobblestone streets, quirky locals, and just the right dash of romance. Ready to discover why Lacey Doyle is stealing hearts and solving crimes? Let’s dive in!
How Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery Began
Fiona Grace launched the Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery series in 2019 with Murder in the Manor, introducing readers to a heroine seeking a fresh start. Inspired by the cozy mystery genre’s love for quaint settings and amateur detectives, Grace crafted Wilfordshire as a nostalgic nod to idyllic English villages. Her vision was to blend Lacey’s personal reinvention—post-divorce and chasing her dream of running an antique shop—with the thrill of solving crimes, creating a series that feels both heartwarming and suspenseful.
Grace, a prolific author known for series like Tuscan Vineyard Cozy Mystery, drew on her knack for vivid settings and relatable characters to make Lacey’s journey resonate. The series’ debut was a hit, earning praise for its intelligent plots and charming atmosphere, setting the stage for a growing collection of mysteries.
The Heart of Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery
The series kicks off with Murder in the Manor (2019), where Lacey settles in Wilfordshire and opens her antique shop, only to find her first star customer dead. As the newcomer, she’s a suspect and must clear her name, uncovering secrets in the manor. In Death and a Dog (2019), spring brings a major auction and a mysterious artifact, but when a bidder turns up dead, Lacey and her dog dig into the chaos. Crime in the Café (2020) sees Lacey helping a friend decorate a B&B, only for a guest’s mysterious death to threaten the inn’s future. Later, Framed by a Forgery (2021) weaves family drama with a forged letter from Queen Victoria, leading to murder and a race to save Lacey’s reputation.
Themes of reinvention, community, and resilience shine throughout. Lacey’s journey from a fast-paced city life to embracing Wilfordshire’s slower rhythm mirrors her personal growth, while her amateur sleuthing highlights her courage and wit. The seaside setting, with its ageless architecture and natural beauty, grounds the series in a cozy, immersive world. Grace’s style—light, engaging, and packed with twists—keeps the mysteries accessible yet unpredictable, often weaving in subplots like Lacey’s budding romance with a local chef or her search for her long-lost father.
With 13 books, including titles like Fate of the Faberge and Scandal of the Seaside (both 2025), the series balances standalone mysteries with ongoing character arcs, making it easy for new readers to jump in while rewarding loyal fans with deeper connections.
Why Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery Resonates
The Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, captivating readers with its blend of heart and suspense. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon praise its vivid settings and well-crafted characters, with Murder in the Manor earning over 100 five-star reviews for its “intelligent plot” and “golden-era British cozy” vibe. Lacey’s relatable journey—starting over, building friendships, and finding purpose—strikes a chord, especially for readers drawn to stories of second chances.
Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a world where mysteries are solved with cleverness, not violence, and where community triumphs. By focusing on a strong female lead and a picturesque setting, Grace has created a series that feels timeless yet fresh, ensuring Lacey’s adventures remain a cozy escape for years to come.
About Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery
- First published: October 2019
- Number of books: 13
- Genre: Cozy Amateur Sleuth Mystery
- Setting: Wilfordshire, a fictional English seaside town
Ready to cozy up with a cup of tea and a good mystery? Grab Murder in the Manor and dive into Lacey Doyle’s charming world of antiques, intrigue, and small-town secrets!