Mystery Meets Comedy: 10 Book Series That Make Travel Even Better

Two of my greatest passions in life are traveling and books. Wherever I go, a good story comes with me!

I’ve always loved how a great book can transport you to another world, but I’m especially fond of a good series, the kind that makes you feel like you know the characters. The more I read, the more they start to feel like old friends that I’d like to tag along with on their quirky adventures.

While I love all kinds of books, there’s one genre that’s become my go-to travel companion: mystery with a side of humor! There’s just something about solving quirky crimes and laughing along the way that makes long flights fly by and quiet evenings on the road even more enjoyable.

So, whether you’re lounging by the beach, riding a train through the countryside, or waiting out a flight delay, here are 10 hilarious mystery book series that have kept me entertained, guessing, and grinning from ear to ear no matter where in the world I am.

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10 Recommended Mystery Book Series

Here are 10 mystery series that mix humor, heart, and a whole lot of mischief! I’ve listed them in order, starting with my all-time favorite series (so far!) at number one. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

1. The Miss Fortune Series by Jana DeLeon

If you’ve never met Fortune Redding, Ida Belle, and Gertie, get ready! These quirky three might just become your new favorite travel companions! Set in the small (and delightfully chaotic) town of Sinful, Louisiana, this series is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, southern charm, and mystery-filled misadventures.

I’ve read all 28 books (as of 2025!), and I still can’t wait to see what kind of trouble the Swamp Team 3 stumbles into next. This is one of those rare series where the characters feel like friends and the laughs never stop!
👉 Check out this series HERE

As a little bonus, if you love Jana DeLeon’s style, you might also enjoy some of her other series I’ve read and liked: The Ghost-in-Law Mysteries, The Happily Everlasting Series, and The Tempest Island Series. Each one brings its own unique twist and plenty of fun! Definitely worth checking out if you want more laughs and mystery beyond the Miss Fortune books.

2. Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery Series by Carolyn Haines

Coming in at a close second on my list, Sarah Booth Delaney is a sharp, witty protagonist whose adventures in the Mississippi Delta are full of charm, suspense, and plenty of humor.

I’ve devoured all 31 books (as of 2026!), and each one keeps me hooked with clever mysteries and a cast of unforgettable characters. If you enjoy cozy Southern settings mixed with laugh-out-loud moments, this series is a must-read for your travel library.
👉 Check out this series HERE

3. Psychic Eye Mystery Series by Victoria Laurie

If you love a fast-paced mystery with a supernatural twist, this series is a must-read. This fun and feisty series follows Abby Cooper, a professional psychic whose intuitive gifts keep landing her in the middle of murder investigations.
👉 Check out this series HERE

Bonus Series: Victoria Laurie also writes the Life Coach Mysteries and the Ghost Hunter Mysteries, which are just as witty and engaging!

4. The Scottish Bookshop Mystery Series by Paige Shelton

This series is set in the heart of Edinburgh. As someone who loves books and travel, following Delaney Nichols through her adventures at The Cracked Spine bookshop feels like stepping into a literary vacation. The setting is atmospheric, the mysteries are clever, and the Scottish charm is irresistible. It made me want to hop on a plane to Scotland when I read it!
👉 Check out this series HERE

5. Pizza Lover’s Mystery Series by Chris Cavender

Mystery, murder, and mouthwatering pizza? Yes, please! This cozy series is the perfect blend of culinary charm and small-town sleuthing. Set in North Carolina, the Pizza Lover’s Mysteries follow Eleanor Swift, a pizzeria owner with a knack for solving crimes and tossing dough under pressure. The characters are relatable, the plots are satisfying, and the food descriptions might just have you craving a slice while you read!
👉 Check out this series HERE

6. Haunted Home Renovation Series by Juliet Blackwell

This series has mystery, renovation, and just the right amount of ghostly interference. Set in the Bay Area, it follows Mel Turner, a smart and savvy home renovation expert who just happens to see (and speak to) the dead. I love how each mystery ties into old houses and hidden pasts, blending history, humor, and hauntings most entertainingly!
👉 Check out this series HERE

Bonus Series: Juliet Blackwell also writes the Witchcraft Mystery Series, which is a little more magical and just as fun! Perfect if you like a cozy with a supernatural twist.

7. Books by the Bay Mysteries by Ellery Adams

The Books by the Bay series follows Olivia Limoges and her quirky literary group as they solve mysteries in a charming coastal town in North Carolina. It’s thoughtful, layered, and full of heart with just the right amount of intrigue.
👉 Check out this series HERE

More to Explore: I’ve enjoyed so many of Ellery Adams’ series, and it’s hard to pick a clear favorite. If you’re new to her work, I also highly recommend:
📚 The Secret, Book & Scone Society
🥧 The Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries
📦 The Collectibles Mysteries
🍽️ The Book Retreat Mysteries

Each series offers a different flavor, but all are perfect companions for readers who love a blend of mystery, friendship, and comfort.

8. Cupcake Bakery Mysteries by Jenn McKinlay

With sweet treats, snappy dialogue, and just enough mystery to keep you guessing, this series is as fun as a box of cupcakes! Set in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries follows best friends and bakers Melanie and Angie as they whip up desserts and solve murders.
👉 Check out this series HERE

Bonus Series: If you enjoy Jenn McKinlay’s breezy, clever style, you might also like her Hat Shop Mysteries and the Library Lover’s Mysteries.

9. Tourist Trap Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon

The Tourist Trap Mysteries follow Jill Gardner, a bookstore owner with a knack for sniffing out trouble, navigating small-town drama, and keeping the lattes coming. It’s cozy, light, and easy to get hooked on!
👉 Check out this series HERE

Bonus Series: I’ve also enjoyed Lynn Cahoon’s Cat Latimer Mysteries.

10. Fixer-Upper Mysteries by Kate Carlisle

Home renovation meets whodunit in this smart, stylish series set in the coastal town of Lighthouse Cove, California. Shannon Hammer is a contractor who’s great with power tools and even better at solving murders. With charming characters, a hint of romance, and plenty of renovation details, the Fixer-Upper Mysteries are a fun and fast read!
👉 Check out this series HERE

Bonus Note: If you’re a fellow book lover, you might also enjoy Kate Carlisle’s Bibliophile Mysteries, which mix rare books, murder, and literary intrigue in equal measure.

e-Reader, Paperback, or Hardcopy?

This one really comes down to personal preference. I used to love the feel of a real book in my hands. There’s something about flipping pages that just feels right. But once I started traveling more, I discovered the joy of carrying an entire library in one small device. Now I never leave home without my Kindle Paperwhite. It’s perfect for reading in any setting! The built-in backlight means I can read in the dark on a plane or in bright sunshine at the beach. Instant access to books, no matter where I am? That’s hard to beat!
👉 You can get your own Kindle Paperwhite HERE

Final Thoughts: The Joy of a Good Book Series

Wherever you go, a good book can take you even further. These mystery series have brought me laughter on flights, kept me company on long layovers, and made me smile while sipping a refreshment in cities far from home. They’ve become just as much a part of my travels as my suitcase or passport.

So, if you’re looking to add a little mystery and a lot of laughter to your next adventure, I hope one (or more!) of these series makes its way into your travel bag.

Happy reading, safe travels, and may you always have a story that makes you laugh, wherever your travels takes you!

If you enjoyed these funny mystery series, you might also enjoy following along on our travel adventures! We share stories from our travels along with mindset tips to help you stay on the path you truly want to follow. You can check them out HERE.

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