Books On Board

A Bought-the-Farm Mystery Books in Order

  • 23 Books
  • 2020 – 2024 Published

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Reading order
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Where to Start Reading

For the absolute best reading experience, you should read the A Bought-the-Farm Mystery series in chronological order. This allows you to watch the slow-burn romance between Ivy Galloway and Police Chief Kellan Harper unfold naturally, while enjoying the evolution of Runaway Farm's growing animal sanctuary.

You have two great options for where to begin:

  • The Chronological Start: Begin with A Dog with Two Tales. This prequel novella sets up Ivy's rescue of her beloved border collie, Keats, and her transition from the stressful corporate world to hobby farming.
  • The Novel-Length Start: Jump straight into Dogcatcher in the Rye, the first full-length novel. If you prefer to start with a substantial mystery that fully establishes the Clover Grove setting, this is the perfect entry point.

A Bought-the-Farm Mystery Publication Order

Below is the complete list of the series in order of release. Note that some library systems or retail lists contain ordering discrepancies (such as repeating A Streak of Bad Cluck), but the official publication progression runs as follows:

  1. A Dog with Two Tales (2020) - Prequel Novella
  2. Dogcatcher in the Rye (2020)
  3. Dark Side of the Moo (2020)
  4. A Streak of Bad Cluck (2020)
  5. Till the Cat Lady Sings (2020)
  6. Alpaca Lies (2020)
  7. Twas the Bite Before Christmas (2020)
  8. Swine and Punishment (2020)
  9. Don't Rock the Goat (2021)
  10. Swan with the Wind (2021)
  11. How to Get a Neigh with Murder (2021)
  12. Tweet Revenge (2022)
  13. For Love or Bunny (2022)
  14. Between a Squawk and a Hard Place (2022)
  15. Double Dog Dare (2022)
  16. Deerly Departed (2022)
  17. Think Outside the Fox (2023)
  18. Mouse of Ill Repute (2023)
  19. Bee All and End All (2024)
  20. Sheep with One Eye Open (2024)
  21. Roo the Day (2025)
  22. Till Death Zoo Us Part (2025)
  23. Hit the Road, Quack (2025)
  24. One Horse Open Slay (2025)
  25. Beg, Burrow or Steal (2026)

Behind the Pen Name and Connections

Ellen Riggs is actually the pseudonym for author Sandy Rideout. Under her real name, Sandy Rideout writes the popular Dog Town cozy mystery series. While both series share a delightful focus on animals and charming small-town settings, they exist in distinct universes and there are currently no official crossover books. All books in the A Bought-the-Farm Mystery series are written solely under the Ellen Riggs pen name.

Frequently Asked

What is the recommended starting point for the Bought-the-Farm series?

We recommend starting with the prequel novella, A Dog with Two Tales, to see Ivy and Keats unite. However, if you prefer jumping straight into a full-length book, start with the first novel, Dogcatcher in the Rye.

How many books are in the Bought-the-Farm Mystery series?

As of 2026, there are 25 books in the series, beginning with the 2020 prequel novella and extending to the 2026 release Beg, Burrow or Steal.

Is Ellen Riggs the author's real name?

No, Ellen Riggs is a pen name used by author Sandy Rideout, who also writes the animal-centric Dog Town series.

Are there any crossover books with Sandy Rideout's other series?

No. While Sandy Rideout's Dog Town series and Ellen Riggs' Bought-the-Farm series share similar cozy animal themes, they are separate universes with no crossovers.

Do you need to read the Bought-the-Farm books in order?

Yes. Although each book features a standalone mystery, the recurring cast, Ivy's relationship with Kellan Harper, and the farm's development are best enjoyed in order.

What is the latest book in the series?

The latest installment is the 24th novel (25th entry overall), titled Beg, Burrow or Steal, published in April 2026.