Step into the sun-soaked, mystery-filled world of the Tourist Trap Mysteries, where quaint South Cove, California, serves up coffee, books, and a side of murder! Written by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lynn Cahoon, this cozy mystery series follows Jill Gardner, a former lawyer turned bookstore owner, as she solves crimes with a knack for nosiness and a heart full of determination. Since its debut in 2014, the series has charmed readers with its blend of small-town charm, romance, and thrilling whodunits.
With Jill’s coffee shop, Coffee, Books, and More, as the heart of the action, the Tourist Trap Mysteries deliver a delightful escape. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or just craving a light, engaging read, this series promises twists, laughs, and a cast of quirky characters that keep you coming back for more.
How Tourist Trap Mysteries Began
Lynn Cahoon, an author known for her romance and science fiction roots, ventured into cozy mysteries with the Tourist Trap Mysteries, launching the series with Guidebook to Murder in 2014. Inspired by her love for small-town life and happy endings, Cahoon crafted South Cove as a fictional coastal haven, drawing from her own experiences living in a river town. Her goal? To create a world where justice prevails, relationships bloom, and mysteries unravel in a way that feels like a warm hug with a dash of suspense. The series’ instant success, including the 2015 Reader’s Crown Prize for Best Mystery Fiction, solidified Cahoon’s place in the cozy mystery genre.
The Heart of Tourist Trap Mysteries
The series kicks off with Guidebook to Murder, where Jill inherits a dilapidated house from her friend Miss Emily, only to discover Emily was murdered. As Jill digs into the case, she navigates city council drama and sparks fly with Detective Greg King. In Mission to Murder, Jill’s quest to preserve a historic mission wall lands her as the prime suspect in a businessman’s death, testing her sleuthing skills. Memories and Murder, the tenth book, weaves two mysteries: a scam targeting Jill’s Aunt Jackie and a computer expert’s death. Wedding Bell Blues sees Jill juggling maid-of-honor duties and a historian’s hit-and-run case, all while planning her own wedding.
At its core, the Tourist Trap Mysteries blend cozy staples—murder, quirky townsfolk, and a bookstore setting—with deeper themes of community, justice, and romance. South Cove’s idyllic yet murky backdrop, filled with political rivalries and secrets, creates a perfect stage for Jill’s amateur detective work. Cahoon’s knack for evolving characters, like Jill’s growing bond with Greg or Aunt Jackie’s fiery spirit, keeps the series fresh and relatable, while the light romance avoids the frustrating “will-they-won’t-they” trope, much to fans’ delight.
Why Tourist Trap Mysteries Resonates
The Tourist Trap Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery world, with fans praising Cahoon’s ability to balance suspense, humor, and heart. The series’ diverse cast and contemporary themes, like elder abuse in Memories and Murder, add depth, making it more than just a fluffy read. Its global appeal, evidenced by awards and glowing reviews, stems from Jill’s relatable tenacity and the universal draw of a tight-knit community solving crimes together. As Cahoon continues to release books and novellas, the series remains a go-to for readers seeking cozy escapism with a modern twist.
- First Book Published: 2014 (Guidebook to Murder)
- Number of Books: 17 (plus novellas, as of 2025)
- Awards: 2015 Reader’s Crown Prize for Best Mystery Fiction
- Setting: South Cove, a fictional coastal town in California
Grab Guidebook to Murder and dive into the Tourist Trap Mysteries’ cozy, crime-solving world! Whether you’re sipping coffee or untangling clues with Jill, South Cove is the perfect getaway for mystery lovers.