Step into the cozy, charming world of the Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery series, where a small-town postal worker and her loyal dog unravel mysteries in the heart of White Eagle, Montana! Written by Kathi Daley, this delightful series blends heartwarming community vibes, clever whodunits, and a touch of holiday magic, making it a perfect escape for cozy mystery lovers.
With Tess delivering mail and gossip alongside her canine companion Tilly, each book weaves a new puzzle against the backdrop of seasonal celebrations. From Christmas festivals to Valentine’s Day adoption parties, this series captures the warmth of small-town life while keeping readers guessing until the final page.
How Tess and Tilly Began
Kathi Daley, a USA Today bestselling author, drew inspiration for the Tess and Tilly series from her love of small towns and the tight-knit communities they foster. Living in the scenic alpine region of Lake Tahoe, Daley infused her mountain surroundings and affection for animals into the series, which debuted in 2017 with The Christmas Letter. Her goal was to craft a cozy mystery series that felt like a warm hug, blending light romance, pet-friendly adventures, and intriguing mysteries, building on the success of her popular Zoe Donovan series.
The Heart of Tess and Tilly
The series kicks off with The Christmas Letter, where Tess and Tilly team up with a reclusive genius to solve a friend’s murder amid preparations for White Eagle’s Christmas Festival. In The Valentine Mystery, Tess stumbles upon a fatal car accident, uncovering secrets tied to the past while organizing a pet adoption event. The Mother’s Day Mishap brings springtime intrigue as Tess digs into a decades-old mystery, and The Saint Paddy’s Promise explores a heartbreaking tale of lost love from sixty years ago.
At its core, the series shines through its themes of community, family, and resilience. White Eagle, Montana, is more than a setting—it’s a character, with its quirky residents, seasonal festivities, and hidden secrets. Daley’s clean, engaging style balances suspense with heart, weaving in Tess’s personal quest to uncover the truth about her missing father. Pets like Tilly and Tess’s adopted kittens add charm, making the series a haven for animal lovers. The holiday-themed plots evoke nostalgia, inviting readers to savor simpler times filled with friendship and small-town spirit.
Why Tess and Tilly Resonates
The Tess and Tilly series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by offering a refreshing blend of wholesome storytelling and clever sleuthing. Fans praise Daley’s knack for creating relatable characters and intricate plots that keep them hooked. The series’ focus on animals and community resonates deeply, especially for readers seeking light, uplifting escapes. With 18 books and counting, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to feel both familiar and fresh, like catching up with old friends in White Eagle.
- First Book Published: November 2017 (The Christmas Letter)
- Number of Books: 18 (as of 2023)
- Setting: White Eagle, Montana
- Author: Kathi Daley, inspired by her Lake Tahoe home
Ready to cozy up with a mystery? Grab The Christmas Letter and join Tess and Tilly’s sleuthing adventures in the heart of White Eagle!