Choosing the right cozy mystery comp titles for your query letter can make or break your chances of being published.
The purpose of comp titles is for agents and publishing house editors to gauge the genre of your book as well as the tone and market potential of your work.
I regularly update this list of cozy mystery romance comp titles to make sure you’re always working with relevant books.
No matter if you’re writing a sweet, slow-burn cozy mystery romance or something fast and spicy, you’ll find titles below to help you write a killer query letter!
If you’re looking for something a bit more specific, check out my romance comp database.
- A Botanist's Guide to Parties and PoisonsYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, thriller
- A Murder to RememberYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, mystery, rom com, suspense, thriller
- Clouds in My CoffeeYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, cozy, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, thriller
- Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own GraveYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, humor, mystery, thriller
- Four Aunties and a WeddingYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, chick lit, contemporary, cozy mystery, humor, mystery, thriller
- It's ElementaryYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, cozy, cozy mystery, mystery, thriller
- Magic, Lies, and Deadly PiesYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, cozy, cozy mystery, fantasy, mystery, thriller
- Marsh MadnessYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, comedy, contemporary, cozy, cozy mystery, crime, humor, mystery
- Nosy NeighborsYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, cozy, cozy mystery, mystery, thriller
- Now or NeverYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, chick lit, contemporary, cozy mystery, crime, humor, mystery, thriller
- The BayYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, cozy mystery, crime, mystery, summer, suspense, thriller
- The Blast from the PastYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, humor, mystery, paranormal, rom com, thriller
- The Body in the BackyardYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, humor, mystery, paranormal, rom com, thriller
- The Book of CandlelightYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, books about books, contemporary, cozy, cozy mystery, friendship, mystery, thriller
- The Last Mrs. SummersYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, adult, cozy, cozy mystery, historical, mystery
- The Late Mrs. WilloughbyYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, regency, thriller
- The Maid's SecretYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, cozy, cozy mystery, mystery, thriller
- The Mistletoe MysteryYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, christmas, cozy mystery, holiday, mystery, novella, short stories, thriller
- The Murder of Mr. WickhamYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, retellings, thriller
- The Perils of Lady Catherine de BourghYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, regency, thriller
- The Shop on Royal StreetYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, fantasy, ghosts, mystery, paranormal, southern
- Welcome to Murder WeekYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, cozy, cozy mystery, mystery, thriller
Other resources to assist with your querying journey
Comp titles are only a small piece of the querying puzzle! Here are other resources I offer to help writers achieve their dreams of publishing their novels:
- Developmental editing services
- Pre-querying package
- Publishers accepting manuscript submissions this month
- Romance tropes list
- Random romance trope generator
Frequently asked questions
How recent do comp titles need to be?
Comp titles should be published within the past five to seven years so it is representative of the current market potential of your manuscript.
Can I use bestselling books as a comp title?
Yes, you can! However, the bestselling books aren’t always the most suitable options. While it’s integral that a comp title has sold well, it’s better to choose a comp title that’s sold less well but closer represents the tone and overall vibe of your own book.
How many comp titles should I include in my query letter?
You should aim for two comp titles in your query letter. You can include three, but agents would expect more than one.
Can I use a series as a comp title?
You can, but it’s best to pick a specific book within that series that best represents your manuscript.
What if I can’t find a cozy mystery romance comp title that fits my book?
You can broaden your horizons to also include other subgenres of romance!