3 Fun Mysteries to Read Now

by Donna Huber

I love a book that you can really sink your teeth into, but sometimes you just want something fun, maybe even a little ridiculous. Cozy mysteries are my go-to when I'm looking for something light and not so serious. I recently read 3 books that were just pure fun.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

For Duck's Sake by Donna Andrews

August 2025; Macmillan Audio/Minotaur Books
audio (19h 15m), ebook, print (320 pages); cozy mystery

The Meg Langslow series is one of my favorites to listen to. Bernadette Dunne does an awesome job of bringing the characters to life. It is probably one of the fluffier cozy mysteries I read, so it is easy to listen to the story while doing chores (it makes the chores go by faster, too!). 

You know that this is a cozy mystery. The things that happen would only happen in a cozy mystery (kind of like there are things that happen in Hallmark Christmas movies that would never happen in real life), yet you just go with it because it makes the story so much fun. 

In this installment, Caerphilly is hosting a Mutt Parade and has 300+ dogs camping out in Meg's backyard. A whole crew of people is there to wash, feed, walk, and dress the dogs. Yes, I said dress. Many are wearing costumes in the parade - like the group of dogs dressed as Ewoks for the Star Wars entry. Of course, they get a tip that there may be a dog-fighting ring trying to get their hands on some bait dogs. 

But a possible dog-knapping is not their only concern. While digging for a duck pond, a skeleton is discovered. This leads down memory lane for several of the characters. 

For Duck's Sake is book 37 in the series, but you don't need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one. It's only the 6th book I've read in the series. 

Buy For Duck's Sake at Amazon

The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson

May 2025; Berkley; 978-0593550540
audio, ebook, print (336 pages); mystery

I wasn't sure if this was really a cozy mystery. Yes, there is a crime. Yes, the characters are amateurs at sleuthing. Yet, the book felt like it was more about friendship and finding one's place.

Nova works at a community center and runs the book club. It is after one of their meetings that a large sum of money disappears from the community center and the prime suspect is one of the members. But Nova is to blame as well since she apparently left the center unlocked. Using their own favorite genres as inspiration, they attempt to find Michael and return the money and thus saving Nova's job.

I want a group of friends like this. Even though one character got on my nerves, she was coming from a place of love and hurt. 

This book is just a fun, light read. Definitely a book you will want to curl up with your favorite beverage for a relaxing afternoon of reading.

Buy The Busybody Book Club at Amazon

Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch

November 2025; Berkley; 978-0593640364
audio, ebook, print (384 pages); mystery

I don't usually read books that feature animals because I find them to have too many sad moments. Since this is a cozy mystery, I thought it would be okay. While it is an adorable book, partly narrated by the pony, it did have moments that made my heart hurt. 

I didn't shed any tears, but it was difficult to read some of the pony's experiences.

25 years ago, there was an incident, and a man was killed. Now the cops think they finally have the culprit. When school teacher Penny is arrested, she knows they have the wrong person. She was only 12 at the time for crying out loud!

The summary of the book calls this a one-of-a-kind mystery, and I know I haven't read anything like it before. If you have been wanting to read xenofiction since I discussed the genre during the A to Z Challenge, but didn't want fantasy or science fiction, then this is the book for you. 

It is humorous and gives me the same vibe as Kira Jane Buxton's Hollow Kingdom.

It's not just the Pony chapters that are funny, but there are some comical moments with Penny as well. Even with all the fun, there are serious issues that are brought up - our broken justice system and animal welfare.

There is the mystery surrounding the death of the man 25 years ago, but there is much more to this book. With Penny locked up and Pony searching for her, there is a lot of time for introspection. 

Pony Confidential is a light read, but with the heavier issues lurking below the surface, it is the perfect blend of entertaining and thought-provoking.

Buy Pony Confidential at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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