I’ve gathered together a few of my wonderful local cosy mystery author friends. But why? To shout about each others’ books! To help our readers discover more delightful tales from our home here in Aotearoa New Zealand! Also, why not!
All books featured are written by authors based in NZ – and most are set here too! Sleuths, scroll on down for your next investigation…
The Milverton Mysteries by G. B. Ralph
Investigate The Milverton Mysteries for a chaotic cast of local busybodies, delicious baked treats, a demanding and disdainful ginger cat, a very slow-burn romance with a rather appealing policeman, and of course… murder!
Where to start:
Where to buy:
- Amazon US
- Amazon UK
- Amazon CA
- Amazon DE
- Amazon AU (NZ)
- BookHub NZ
- Also available on Kindle Unlimited
- Other retailers
Kiwi connections:
- Author: based in NZ
- Books: set in NZ
Author links:
- Website: gbralph.com
- Newsletter: gbralph.com/newsletter
Other notes:
- Book 1 on sale in the US this week
- Book 1 on sale in the UK this month
- Book 5 coming out: 9 September 2026
The Retired Assassin’s Guide by Naomi Kuttner
The Retired Assassin’s Guide is a fun, fresh paranormal cosy mystery series. Come for the intrigue, stay for the gardening, found family, chatty ghosts, and opinionated cats.
Where to start:
Where to buy:
- Amazon US
- Amazon UK
- Amazon CA
- Amazon DE
- Amazon AU (NZ)
- Also available on Kindle Unlimited
Kiwi connections:
- Author: based in NZ
- Books: set in NZ
Author links:
- Website: naomikuttner.com
- Newsletter: naomikuttner.com/join
Other notes:
- Book 3 coming out: 7 December 2026
The Bookshop Detectives by Gareth & Louise Ward
Two small-town booksellers (and their cowardly dog) solve mysteries in a series full of literary clues, sparkling dialogue, and comedic insights into the world of bookshops.
Where to start:
Where to buy:
Kiwi connections:
- Authors: based in NZ
- Books: set in NZ
Author links:
- Website: wardini.co.nz
- Publisher profile on penguin.co.nz
- Facebook: facebook.com/wardinibooks
Other notes:
- Book 3 coming out: 7 July 2026
The Widow’s Detective Club by Amanda Ashby
Welcome to the world of Little Shaw, nestled deep in the Rossendale Valley, Lancashire, England. It’s a small village with charming buildings, quirky characters and four friends who are bonded in widowhood, as they stumble over dead bodies.
Where to start:
Where to buy:
- Amazon US
- Amazon UK
- Amazon CA
- Amazon DE
- Amazon AU (NZ)
- Also available on Kindle Unlimited
Kiwi connections:
- Author: based in NZ
Books: set in NZ
Author links:
- Website: amandaashby.com
- Newsletter: amandaashby.com (scroll down)
Other notes:
- Book 4 coming out: 15 April 2026
The Guitar Store Mysteries by Bing Turkby
Business is dead at the Pick Me guitar store. But that’s not the only thing that’s dying in town. Store owner Dana Osborne, her young employee Brody, and guitar store cat Paws McCartney are the misfit crew looking to deliver justice in the guitar-infested backwaters of small-town Aotearoa.
Where to start:
Where to buy:
Kiwi connections:
- Author: based in NZ
- Books: set in NZ
Author links:
- Website: turkby.co.nz
- Newsletter signup via Mailchimp
Other notes:
- He’s working on Book 4, he promises!
What next?
- Sign up for our author newsletters (links above) for future updates
- Tell your friends about all the new books you discovered today
- Grab your drink and snack of choice
- Settle in, get cosy, and start investigating!
Thanks for checking out this selection of cozy mysteries set in New Zealand and/or written by authors based here!