Step into the cozy, captivating world of the Markham Sisters, where two retired sisters turn their quaint Derbyshire bed and breakfast into a hub of gentle mysteries and small-town charm! Penned by Diana Xarissa, this delightful cozy mystery series follows Janet and Joan Markham as they unravel local intrigues with a cup of tea in hand and a knack for sleuthing. Perfect for fans of heartwarming whodunits, the series blends British countryside allure with the sisters’ endearing bond, making every novella a comforting escape.
With 26 novellas, the Markham Sisters series offers bite-sized adventures that pack a punch, all set in the fictional Doveby Dale. Whether you’re craving a light read or a dose of sisterly sleuthing, this series invites you to settle in and savor the mystery.
How Markham Sisters Began
Diana Xarissa, a prolific indie author known for her cozy mysteries, introduced the Markham Sisters in 2015 with The Appleton Case. Inspired by her love for the genre and her time living in Derbyshire, Xarissa crafted a spin-off from her popular Aunt Bessie series, where the sisters first appeared. She envisioned a murder-free mystery series centered on two retired schoolteacher sisters running a bed and breakfast, blending their domestic lives with amateur detective work. The novellas, each around 25,000 words, were designed as quick, engaging reads for cozy mystery enthusiasts.
The Heart of Markham Sisters
The series kicks off with The Appleton Case (2015), where Janet and Joan settle into Doveby House only to question the mysterious death of the previous owner, Margaret Appleton. In The Bennett Case (2015), an escaped criminal may be hiding among their guests, testing the sisters’ suspicions. The Ellsworth Case (2016) brings counterfeit money into Doveby Dale, while The Zachery Case (2020), the series finale, uncovers a skeleton in the carriage house, marking a rare murder mystery.
Xarissa’s stories shine through their cozy themes: sisterhood, community, and the thrill of solving puzzles without gore. The Derbyshire setting, with its historic charm and quirky locals, grounds the tales, while the sisters’ contrasting personalities—Janet’s curiosity versus Joan’s practicality—drive the humor and heart. Readers praise the novellas for their “squeaky clean” style, evoking British shows like Rosemary and Thyme, with no murders (until the finale) and a focus on crimes like theft or fraud.
The series’ novella format keeps the pace brisk, perfect for bedtime reading. Fans love the recurring elements—baking, library discoveries, and guest antics—creating a comforting rhythm across the 26 books, though some note repetitive character recaps in later entries.
Why Markham Sisters Resonates
The Markham Sisters series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, offering a gentle alternative to gritty thrillers. Fans on platforms like Goodreads adore the sisters’ warmth and the escapist charm of Doveby Dale, with many calling it “a perfect evening read.” Its clean, murder-free mysteries (mostly) appeal to readers seeking wholesome entertainment, while Xarissa’s self-published success highlights her knack for connecting with cozy fans.
The series’ legacy lies in its celebration of sisterly bonds and small-town life, reminding readers that even ordinary settings can hide extraordinary stories. Its devoted following eagerly awaits potential spin-offs, perhaps featuring Janet and her beau, Edward Bennett.
- First Published: 2015
- Number of Books: 26 novellas
- Setting: Doveby Dale, Derbyshire, England
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab The Appleton Case and dive into the Markham Sisters’ charming world of cozy mysteries today! Your next favorite sleuthing adventure awaits.