Where to Start with Annie’s Attic Mysteries
If you are ready to dive into the cozy coastal town of Stony Point, Maine, the best place to start is with the first book in the series, The Lady in the Attic. This debut novel introduces Annie Dawson, a grieving widow who inherits her grandmother’s historic Victorian home, Grey Gables. Beginning here ensures you understand the core setup: Annie’s arrival, the discovery of her grandmother's secrets in the attic, and her warm welcome into the Hook and Needle Club, a local crafting group that assists her in sleuthing.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because Annie’s Attic Mysteries was written by a rotating circle of talented authors, each book presents a standalone mystery centering on a new item found in the attic. However, Annie’s personal journey of healing and her relationships with Stony Point residents progress sequentially. There are no prequels or time jumps, meaning the chronological order is identical to the publication order. Reading the books in the order they were released is highly recommended to properly appreciate the continuity of Annie's life and the evolution of the town.
The Complete Reading Order List
Here is the complete order of the 30 books in the Annie’s Attic Mysteries series, originally published between 2010 and 2013:
- 1. The Lady in the Attic (2010) – by Tara Randel
- 2. Medals in the Attic (2010) – by Cathy Elliott
- 3. The Photo Album (2010) – by Marlene Chase
- 4. Letters in the Attic (2010) – by DeAnna Julie Dodson
- 5. The Package (2010) – by Sharon Dunn
- 6. The Map in the Attic (2010) – by Jolyn Sharp
- 7. Rag Doll in the Attic (2011) – by Jan Fields
- 8. Boxed in (2011) – by Karen Kelly
- 9. The Deed in the Attic (2011) – by K.D. McCrite
- 10. Emeralds in the Attic (2011) – by Jan Fields
- 11. The Wedding Dress (2011) – by Mary O'Donnell
- 12. The Valise in the Attic (2011) – by Jan Fields
- 13. The Unfinished Sonata (2011) – by K.D. McCrite
- 14. A Man of His Word (2012) – by Karen Kelly
- 15. The Key in the Attic (2012) – by DeAnna Julie Dodson
- 16. Road Trip! (2012) – by Jan Fields
- 17. The Stolen Canvas (2012) – by Marlene Chase
- 18. The Tapestry in the Attic (2012) – by Mary O'Donnell
- 19. Gunns & Roses (2012) – by Karen Kelly
- 20. The Legend of Fuller's Island (2012) – by Jan Fields
- 21. A Stony Point Christmas (2012) – by K.D. McCrite
- 22. A Spicy Secret (2012) – by D. Savannah George
- 23. The Cats & the Riddle (2012) – by Jan Fields
- 24. Jazzed (2013) – by Donna Kelly
- 25. The Diary in the Attic (2013) – by DeAnna Julie Dodson
- 26. Angels in the Attic (2013) – by Mary O'Donnell
- 27. Wild Things (2013) – by Karen Kelly
- 28. The Kennel Caper (2013) – by Jan Fields
- 29. The Legacy in the Attic (2013) – by DeAnna Julie Dodson
- 30. The Ring in the Attic (2013) – by K.D. McCrite
Spin-offs and Related Annie's Book Clubs
While the primary story of Annie Dawson concludes in the 30th book, fans of this style of wholesome, craft-centered mystery can explore several other book series from Annie's Fiction. Popular continuations and related series include Annie's Quilted Mysteries (featuring Emma Cotton), Annie's Mysteries Unraveled (featuring Kate Stevens), and the library-themed Secrets of Castleton Manor Library. These series use a similar collaborative multi-author setup to tell heartwarming mysteries within close-knit crafting communities.