Step into the charming world of the Northwest Cozy Mystery series, where amateur sleuth DeeDee Wilson whips up delectable dishes and solves tantalizing murders in the lush Pacific Northwest. Penned by USA Today Bestselling Author Dianne Harman, this cozy mystery series blends culinary delights, clever whodunits, and heartwarming characters, making it a must-read for fans of lighthearted suspense.
With its vivid settings—from the misty shores of Bainbridge Island to the snowy slopes of Whistler—this series invites readers to curl up with a cup of tea and unravel mysteries alongside DeeDee, her trusty husky Balto, and private investigator Jake. If you love a good puzzle with a side of comfort food, Northwest Cozy Mystery is your next obsession!
How Northwest Cozy Mystery Began
Dianne Harman, a former antique appraiser and yoga instructor, drew from her love of cooking, dogs, and travel to create the Northwest Cozy Mystery series. After a diverse career and global adventures, Harman settled in California and turned to writing, launching her first cozy mystery in 2012. The Northwest series debuted in 2017 with Murder on Bainbridge Island, introducing DeeDee Wilson, a newly divorced caterer who stumbles into sleuthing. Harman’s knack for crafting relatable characters and vivid locales quickly won over cozy mystery fans.
The Heart of Northwest Cozy Mystery
The series kicks off with Murder on Bainbridge Island (2017), where DeeDee’s catering gig turns deadly when a gallery owner is murdered, threatening her fledgling business. She teams up with Jake and Balto to clear her name, diving into a web of art-world intrigue. In Murder in Whistler (2017), DeeDee and Jake’s vacation in British Columbia becomes a murder investigation on a pristine golf course. Murder in Seattle (2017) sees DeeDee tackling a mob-related killing tied to her sister’s new husband, while Murder on the Train (2020) takes the crew on a European train tour, unraveling a dysfunctional family’s deadly secrets.
Northwest Cozy Mystery shines through its themes of resilience, community, and second chances. DeeDee, a middle-aged divorcee, rebuilds her life with courage and curiosity, making her a relatable heroine. The Pacific Northwest setting, with its foggy islands and bustling cities, feels like a character itself, painted in rich detail. Harman’s cozy style—free of graphic violence or explicit content—pairs suspense with comfort, often ending with recipes inspired by DeeDee’s catering, like creamy clam chowder or decadent chocolate cake.
The series’ charm lies in its balance of humor, heart, and mystery. Readers praise the well-plotted stories that keep them guessing, alongside quirky sidekicks like Al De Duco, a former mobster turned ally. Whether it’s a murder at a ritzy waterfront or a train-bound whodunit, Harman delivers page-turners that feel like a warm hug.
Why Northwest Cozy Mystery Resonates
With 24 books and counting, Northwest Cozy Mystery has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, delighting readers who crave escapist fun. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about the series’ engaging characters and immersive settings, with reviews highlighting its “lack of bad language and steamy scenes” as a refreshing change. Harman’s ability to weave culinary passion and pet-friendly adventures into her mysteries appeals to a wide audience, from dog lovers to foodies.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its celebration of everyday heroes like DeeDee, who prove it’s never too late to start over. By blending small-town charm with big-stakes mysteries, Northwest Cozy Mystery offers a cozy escape that keeps readers coming back for more.
- First Book Published: March 2017
- Total Books: 24 as of 2025
- Author: Dianne Harman
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab Murder on Bainbridge Island and dive into the Northwest Cozy Mystery’s delightful world of food, furry friends, and fiendish puzzles!