It’s May! We’ve had a few sunny days, the lupins in my garden are looking fabulous, and I, of course, have been very busy searching high and low for great cozy mystery books, TV shows, movies, puzzles, podcasts, and audiobooks that we can all enjoy as summer approaches.

I’ve been stumped by a bank heist, gone back in time with Agatha Christie to Mesopotamia, been very happy that I don’t live on 138 Main Street, and had a lovely time in Ireland with Ardal O’Hanlon’s (yes, DI Jack Mooney from Death in Paradise) cozy debut.

I have spent many hours following William Murdoch through 1900s Toronto, been entertained by Ellis and Max in Wild Cards, was shocked by the cliff-hanger ending of High Potential season 2, and when I really wanted to chill out, started re-watching Miss Marple.

So now it’s time for me to put all of that to good use and catch you up on the latest cozy mystery news, introduce you to some new books, and basically give you the low-down on everything puzzling that's happening in May! 🔎📚☕

CBC has officially renewed Murdoch Mysteries for a milestone 20th season, making it Canada’s longest-running scripted TV show.

I’m so happy we’re getting more Victorian-era Toronto investigations with Detective William Murdoch and his colleagues, especially Effie Newsom, who I love.

The new season will pick up directly from season 19’s explosive cliffhanger involving Albert Choi and Murdoch at a shooting scene…but at least we’ll find out how everything plays out.

Kembleford is calling again. The BBC has commissioned two more seasons of Father Brown, confirming that the cozy Cotswolds-set mystery will return for both series 14 and 15.

Season 14 is already filming, with Mark Williams back as the crime-busting priest alongside returning favorites and new housekeeper Rita Flint.

New episodes of parish murders, magicians, and even deadly spiders are due in early 2027, while details of season 15 follow later.

Wild Cards is coming back for a fourth season, and cozy crime fans are in for more playful banter, crackling chemistry, and twisty, low‑stakes cases.

Max and Cole’s odd-couple partnership will deepen as fresh cons, clever clues, and just‑maybe feelings complicate every investigation in the most watchable way.

Curious what trouble they get into next, and when it airs? Read on for all the details.

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Everyone in This Bank is a Thief is a closed-door heist mystery where crime writer Ernest Cunningham and his fiancée pop into a rural Aussie bank for a loan and end up hostages in a very peculiar robbery.

With ten suspects, all of them wanting to steal something, and at least one murder on the floor, Ernest’s signature humor, meta-clue sprinkling, and locked-room-style deductions make this a playful, puzzle-box treat for cozy crime readers.

138 Main Street follows FBI Special Agent Ben Walker and rookie Officer Zoe Hill as they hunt a murderer who strikes only at houses numbered 138 on Main Street across the US.

With over 7,000 possible targets and a chilling manifesto threatening nationwide terror, every town feels suddenly vulnerable. As the killer stays several steps ahead, Ben and Zoe race against time and geography to stop his next move.

I could not put this book down - big thumbs up!

When party planner Lacey Langdon takes over her mother’s printing and events business and returns to sleepy Willow Bluffs, she expects ribbon cuttings, not bodies.

Her great-aunt’s glamorous estate-turned-community-park opens with a bang when a town councilman is found dead on the Hudson’s edge.

Teaming up with old classmate and lawyer Derek Conover, Lacey must juggle guest lists, gossip, and a second shocking death before the killer crashes yet another event.

A collection of interesting reads, mystery news, and cozy crime stories we think you’ll enjoy. 🔎📚☕

👉 10 Brand New Cozy Mystery and Crime Releases for May 2026!
👉 JD Robb – Eve Dallas ‘In Death’ Mystery Series – 62 Books And Counting!
👉 Every Hercule Poirot Movie Ranked: From Peter Ustinov To Kenneth Branagh

Test how well you really know Kembleford’s most unflappable crime‑solving priest with this fun Father Brown quiz.

From cheeky parish scandals to ingenious murder methods, it’s all very low stakes… until you realize how many clues you’ve missed over the years.

Ready to confess your score and see if you’re a true Father Brown super‑sleuth?

Okay, so it’s not that easy; in fact, it may drive you crazy! I have the Captain Nemo Nautilus version of this, and I can confidently state that you will be tested.

If you fancy something fun but fiendish, that doesn’t take up any space (it’s a 5inch cube) and will keep you occupied for hours (maybe, even longer), then this could be right up your street.

And, even if you never solve it, it will look great on your bookshelf, win-win 🥰

Enjoy an effortless way to experience Agatha Christie with the Audible exclusive of The ABC Murders, performed by Peter Dinklage.

His distinctive voice brings Hercule Poirot to life alongside a stellar cast of voices, including Himesh Patel, Sam Claflin, Joel Fry, Rahul Kohli, Lydia West, and Ben Hardy, turning a beloved golden‑age puzzle into a completely bingeable listening experience.

Just pop on your headphones and let Dinklage and his friends guide you through one of Christie’s most ingenious, twist‑laden cases.

With spring evenings stretching out, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a comforting whodunnit. We hope this month’s picks bring you plenty of suspects, red herrings, and cozy corners to read in.

Until next time, enjoy the lighter days, keep an eye on the clues… and never trust a perfectly tidy village.

As always, we’d love to hear from you - whether it’s about your latest favorite book, a character you’re rooting for (or suspecting!), or just to say hello. You can always email us or find us on socials for a good old-fashioned chat.

See you in June, sleuths! 🕵️‍♂️📖🌷

Thanks for reading! Let’s catch up again next month.
Regards
Agatha Marplewood

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