If you love a cozy mystery with style, charm, and a clever puzzle at its heart, A Thornwick Hat Shop Mystery was written for you. The series opens in 1925 Paris, where hats are works of art, everyone has secrets, and one sharp-eyed milliner notices what others miss.
Meet Agnes Ambrose
Agnes Ambrose makes hats for a living, and she reads people the way she reads fabric: closely, patiently, and with an eye for the flaw hidden in the seam. When trouble finds its way into her world, Agnes can't leave it alone. Her keen attention to detail, the same skill that makes her a fine milliner, makes her a natural detective.
The People Around Her
A good cozy mystery lives on its characters, and Agnes is never alone for long:
- Sophie Marsh begins as Agnes's apprentice and grows into her partner, in the shop and in solving crimes.
- Monsieur Froufrou is the shop's parrot, who has opinions about everything.
- Marie-Claire Beaumont is a loyal French friend and ally.
- Inspector Halliday is the detective who keeps crossing paths with Agnes, whether he likes it or not.
Why You Should Start with Book 1
Each book has its own mystery, solved by the final page. But the characters grow, friendships deepen, and the shop itself changes as the series goes on. Partway through the series, The Thornwick Hat Shop becomes Ambrose & Marsh. Reading in order lets you watch it all unfold.
The Reading Order
Click any cover to see the book.
Who Will Love This Series
You'll feel right at home if you enjoy:
- Cozy mysteries with no graphic violence
- The glamour and history of the 1920s
- Clever, observant heroines
- Small shops, close friendships, and a touch of humor
- A series you can collect book by book
Ready to Begin?
All 16 books are available in paperback and hardcover right here in our store. Start with A Palette for Poison and step into Agnes's world.