100 Non-Lethal Crimes for Cozy Mystery Writers


Here is a list of 100 non-lethal crimes that are perfect for inclusion in your next cozy mystery novel. So grab your detective hat, sharpen your wits, and let’s dive into this treasure trove of mischief and intrigue!


1. The Missing Heirloom Necklace: A precious family heirloom disappears during a lavish ball, leaving the guests and the host in a state of shock.


2. The Vanishing Manuscript: A renowned author’s latest manuscript mysteriously disappears, jeopardizing their career and leaving literary enthusiasts in suspense.


3. The Case of the Counterfeit Paintings: A series of forged paintings hit the art market, leading an art collector on a quest to unmask the imposter.


4. The Pilfered Pocket Watch: A treasured pocket watch is stolen from a retired detective, launching them on a personal mission to catch the thief.


5. The Disappearing Dancer: A prima ballerina vanishes before a highly anticipated performance, causing chaos and intrigue in the world of ballet.


6. The Stolen Diaries: A set of secret diaries containing scandalous revelations goes missing, sending shockwaves through a tight-knit community.


7. The Missing Racehorse: A champion racehorse mysteriously disappears from its stable, prompting an investigation that uncovers a web of secrets and rivalries.


8. The Pilfered Precious Gems: Priceless gemstones vanish from a high-security museum, leaving investigators to navigate a world of cunning thieves.


9. The Vanished Wedding Ring: A bride’s wedding ring disappears on her big day, setting off a race against time to recover the sentimental symbol of love.


10. The Case of the Cryptic Cryptogram: A mysterious coded message surfaces, leading an amateur sleuth on a thrilling adventure to decipher its meaning.


11. The Pilfered Antique Books: Rare and valuable books disappear from a prestigious library, drawing the attention of a passionate bookworm detective.


12. The Stolen Sculpture: A renowned sculptor’s masterpiece is stolen from an art exhibition, inspiring a captivating pursuit of the thief and the truth.


13. The Disappearing Artifacts: Ancient artifacts vanish from a historical museum, uncovering a conspiracy that spans centuries.


14. The Missing Trophy: A coveted sports trophy mysteriously disappears, leaving athletes and fans baffled and determined to reclaim the symbol of victory.


15. The Case of the Absconding Auctioneer: An auctioneer disappears with valuable items up for bidding, leaving wealthy collectors and the authorities in hot pursuit.


16. The Pilfered Pet Parrot: A talkative parrot goes missing from a pet store, leading a pet detective on a hilarious adventure to recover the feathered friend.


17. The Vanishing Violinist: A world-renowned violinist disappears moments before a grand performance, captivating both the music world and detective sleuths.


18. The Stolen Family Recipe: A secret family recipe disappears, sparking a culinary investigation and a quest to protect a legacy of flavor.


19. The Missing Antique Clock: A valuable antique clock disappears from a mansion, prompting a detective to unravel the secrets hidden within its ticking hands.


20. The Case of the Elusive Escape Artist: A famous magician vanishes during his own escape act, leaving the audience in awe and detectives scratching their heads.


21. The Pilfered Potion: An eccentric alchemist’s powerful potion goes missing, initiating a race against time to prevent its misuse.


22. The Disappearing Bridesmaid: A bridesmaid disappears on the eve of her friend’s wedding, creating a whirlwind of suspicion and unexpected revelations.


23. The Stolen Film Reel: A highly anticipated movie’s reel goes missing, causing chaos in the film industry and forcing a creative team to improvise.


24. The Vanished Voice: A singer’s extraordinary voice disappears overnight, prompting a soul-stirring investigation into the mystery behind the silenced melodies.


25. The Case of the Missing Magician’s Assistant: A magician’s glamorous assistant vanishes during a spectacular illusion, leaving the audience gasping and detectives spellbound.


26. The Pilfered Pen Collection: A collector’s cherished pen collection is stolen, leading an aficionado on a trail of ink and intrigue.


27. The Missing Art Installation: A thought-provoking art installation disappears from a gallery, challenging the boundaries of perception and inspiring a determined investigator.


28. The Stolen Wedding Cake: A beautifully crafted wedding cake goes missing moments before the reception, plunging the celebration into chaos and uncertainty.


29. The Disappearing Designer Dress: A fashion designer’s masterpiece dress vanishes from a glamorous runway show, launching a glamorous investigation into the world of high fashion.


30. The Case of the Kidnapped Poodle: A beloved poodle is kidnapped from a dog show, triggering a search that unravels a tangled web of rivalry and canine conundrums.


31. The Pilfered Poker Chips: Valuable poker chips vanish from a high-stakes casino game, leading a cunning detective to follow the trail of the elusive gambler.


32. The Vanishing Vintage Car: A classic car disappears from a vintage car show, igniting a race against time to recover the symbol of automotive history.


33. The Stolen Sound System: A popular DJ’s sound system is stolen before a major music festival, inspiring a beat-driven investigation to restore the rhythm.


34. The Missing Marathon Medal: An athlete’s hard-earned marathon medal disappears, urging a determined runner to track down the culprit and reclaim their triumph.


35. The Case of the Absconding Archaeologist: An archaeologist goes missing during a significant excavation, leaving behind cryptic clues that challenge fellow investigators.


36. The Pilfered Pianist: A gifted pianist vanishes before a grand concert, leading a passionate music lover on a melodious journey to uncover the truth.


37. The Disappearing Diamond Necklace: A dazzling diamond necklace disappears from a glamorous gala, inviting a detective to navigate a world of glamour, envy, and hidden motives.


38. The Stolen Surfboard: A champion surfer’s prized surfboard is stolen, plunging the surfing community into a wave of suspicion and competition.


39. The Vanished Video Game Console: A highly anticipated video game console disappears from a gaming convention, leaving gamers and developers in a state of digital distress.


40. The Case of the Missing Memoirs: A prominent figure’s memoirs go missing, unraveling a captivating tale of secrets, politics, and personal journeys.


41. The Pilfered Pottery: Intricately designed pottery goes missing from a local artist’s studio, prompting a quest to preserve their creative legacy.


42. The Missing Masquerade Mask: A unique masquerade mask vanishes from a lavish ball, leading a masked detective on a mysterious dance of clues and deception.


43. The Stolen Stage Props: Key stage props disappear from a theater production, forcing a cast of performers to improvise and sleuth behind the scenes.


44. The Disappearing Drummer: A talented drummer vanishes from a renowned band, triggering a rhythmic investigation into the music industry’s darker side.


45. The Case of the Absconding Astronomer: An esteemed astronomer disappears amidst a celestial event, catapulting investigators into a cosmic mystery that spans the universe.


46. The Pilfered Perfume Collection: A perfume connoisseur’s valuable collection is stolen, setting off an olfactory investigation scented with intrigue and allure.


47. The Missing Martial Arts Trophy: A martial arts tournament’s prestigious trophy disappears, challenging fighters to showcase their skills and uncover the truth.


48. The Vanishing Vineyard Vintages: Rare and aged wines vanish from a vineyard, prompting a sommelier-turned-detective to decipher a vintage mystery.


49. The Stolen Stained Glass Window: A breathtaking stained glass window is stolen from a historical church, inspiring a restoration artist to investigate its disappearance.


50. The Disappearing Designer Handbags: Luxury designer handbags go missing from a fashion boutique, causing an elite fashionista detective to dive into the glamorous underbelly of the industry.


51. The Case of the Vanishing Valet: A valet disappears along with a luxury car, leading investigators on a wild chase through the city’s intricate streets.


52. The Pilfered Police Evidence: Crucial evidence vanishes from the police station, forcing a determined detective to solve the case while navigating a web of corruption.


53. The Missing Monocle: A monocle belonging to a distinguished gentleman vanishes, sending a dapper detective on a journey to restore his polished image.


54. The Stolen Science Experiment: A groundbreaking science experiment disappears from a laboratory, propelling a brilliant scientist on a mission to recover her life’s work.


55. The Disappearing Dessert Recipe: A renowned baker’s secret dessert recipe goes missing, igniting a mouthwatering investigation into the world of delectable treats.


56. The Case of the Absconding Archaeological Artefact: An ancient artifact disappears from an archaeological dig, uncovering a hidden history and propelling investigators into the depths of the past.


57. The Pilfered Police Badge: A police officer’s badge goes missing, plunging the force into chaos and prompting an officer to go undercover to solve the case.


58. The Vanishing Vinyl Records: Rare vinyl records vanish from a music store, sparking a groovy investigation into the world of vintage tunes and hidden gems.


59. The Stolen Street Performer’s Props: A street performer’s beloved props disappear, compelling a troupe of entertainers to embark on a whimsical journey to retrieve their cherished tools.


60. The Disappearing Diamond Earrings: A pair of exquisite diamond earrings disappears from a high-end jewelry store, sparking a dazzling investigation into the world of luxury and intrigue.


61. The Case of the Absconding Acrobats: Acrobats vanish from a circus performance, leaving the audience captivated and detectives hanging by a thread.


62. The Pilfered Poker Tournament Chips: Tournament chips mysteriously disappear during a high-stakes poker game, launching a gambling-inspired investigation with a twist.


63. The Missing Music Maestro: A celebrated conductor disappears before a symphony performance, prompting a harmonious pursuit of the truth within the realm of classical music.


64. The Stolen Street Art: Vibrant street art is stolen from the city’s walls, leading a graffiti artist detective on a colorful adventure through the urban landscape.


65. The Vanished Vacationer: A tourist goes missing while exploring a picturesque destination, enticing a local investigator to uncover the secrets hidden beneath paradise.


66. The Disappearing Designer Glasses: A renowned eyewear designer’s glasses vanish from a fashion show, prompting a fashionable detective to see through the lenses of deception.


67. The Case of the Absconding Inventor: An eccentric inventor disappears, leaving behind a trail of ingenious contraptions and befuddled investigators.


68. The Pilfered Party Playlist: A DJ’s carefully curated party playlist is stolen, forcing a music-loving detective to uncover the beats behind the crime.


69. The Missing Magic Trick: A magician’s signature trick goes missing, revealing a world of illusions and misdirection that tests the investigator’s keen eye.


70. The Stolen Street Food Recipe: A beloved street food vendor’s secret recipe is stolen, launching a culinary investigation that takes detectives on a mouthwatering journey.


71. The Disappearing Drama Queen: A renowned actress vanishes before her highly anticipated performance, captivating audiences and detectives alike with a performance that transcends the stage.


72. The Case of the Absconding Archaeological Artifact: An ancient artifact disappears from an archaeological site, unraveling a tantalizing mystery that connects the present to the distant past.


73. The Pilfered Painting: A masterpiece painting is stolen from an esteemed gallery, setting off an art-centric investigation that blurs the lines between creativity and crime.


74. The Vanishing Ventriloquist Dummy: A ventriloquist’s prized dummy disappears, unleashing a puppetry investigation filled with quirky characters and hidden voices.


75. The Stolen Star Map: A rare star map vanishes from an observatory, sending investigators on an interstellar quest to uncover its celestial secrets.


76. The Disappearing Doll Collection: An avid doll collector’s prized collection disappears, leading a determined collector-turned-detective to delve into the world of delicate treasures.


77. The Missing Martial Arts Master: A revered martial arts master goes missing, inspiring a dedicated student to journey through discipline and danger to find their mentor.


78. The Case of the Absconding Architect: A visionary architect disappears, leaving behind a trail of blueprints and riddles that challenge investigators to decode the language of design.


79. The Pilfered Police Uniform: A police officer’s uniform is stolen, forcing a detective to go undercover in a race against time to thwart an impending crime spree.


80. The Vanished Vintage Vinyl Record: A rare vintage vinyl record disappears from a music collector’s prized collection, plunging them into a melodious investigation that harmonizes the past and the present.


81. The Stolen Statue: A valuable statue goes missing from a public park, inspiring a sculptor to carve out the truth behind the theft.


82. The Disappearing Diplomat: A prominent diplomat vanishes under mysterious circumstances, propelling an international investigation that dances between diplomacy and danger.


83. The Case of the Absconding Illusionist: An illusionist disappears during a captivating performance, leaving behind a trail of smoke and mirrors that confound investigators.


84. The Pilfered Playwright’s Script: A playwright’s groundbreaking script is stolen, initiating a dramatic investigation into the world of theater and artistic inspiration.


85. The Missing Master of Ceremonies: A charismatic master of ceremonies disappears before a grand event, prompting a charismatic detective to step into the spotlight and uncover the truth.


86. The Stolen Secret Society Artefact: A sacred artifact belonging to a secret society vanishes, leading a curious investigator into a hidden realm of clandestine rituals and whispered secrets.


87. The Disappearing Designer Shoes: A fashion designer’s exquisite shoe collection is stolen, propelling a fashion-forward detective into the glamorous world of luxury footwear.


88. The Case of the Absconding Archaeological Amulet: An ancient amulet disappears from an archaeological dig, embarking investigators on a mystical journey to protect history’s secrets.


89. The Pilfered Potion Ingredients: Rare ingredients for a powerful potion are stolen, sending an alchemist on a quest to reclaim the mystical components.


90. The Vanishing Vacation Photos: A tourist’s precious vacation photos disappear, taking investigators on a visual adventure to capture the truth hidden within the frames.


91. The Stolen Street Performer’s Musical Instrument: A street performer’s cherished musical instrument is stolen, prompting a harmonious investigation to recover the soulful sounds of the city.


92. The Disappearing Dessert Chef: A renowned dessert chef vanishes before a prestigious culinary competition, leading a pastry-loving detective on a delectable quest to solve the confectionery mystery.


93. The Missing Masked Ball Invitation: An invitation to an exclusive masked ball disappears, inviting a detective to navigate a glamorous world of secrets, intrigue, and hidden identities.


94. The Case of the Absconding Astronomical Telescope: A powerful telescope vanishes from an observatory, launching a stargazing investigation that explores the mysteries of the cosmos.


95. The Pilfered Police Horse: A police horse is stolen, unleashing a thrilling pursuit through the city streets and into the heart of a criminal underworld.


96. The Vanished Vintage Camera: A vintage camera with valuable photographs goes missing, embarking a nostalgic detective on a quest to capture the stolen memories.


97. The Stolen Street Artist’s Mural: A vibrant street artist’s mural disappears overnight, inspiring a graffiti-savvy detective to uncover the hidden messages within the urban artwork.


98. The Disappearing Diamond Bracelet: A dazzling diamond bracelet disappears from a glamorous gala, prompting a detective to untangle a web of luxury, envy, and sparkling secrets.


99. The Case of the Absconding Animal Trainer: An animal trainer disappears along with a troupe of performing animals, prompting a captivating investigation into the mysterious bond between humans and beasts.


100. The Pilfered Playful Puppies: A litter of adorable puppies vanishes from a pet adoption event, sparking a heartwarming investigation to reunite the furry friends with their potential forever homes.


And there you have it, dear mystery writers—100 intriguing and non-lethal crimes to spark your imagination and captivate your readers. Happy sleuthing!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *