Bailey Ruth Books in Order

How to Read the Bailey Ruth Series

Carolyn Hart's Bailey Ruth series consists of 10 novels published between 2008 and 2021. Because each book covers a standalone case, you can pick up any book in the series. However, to fully appreciate Bailey Ruth's character development, her relationships, and the subtle evolution of her ghostly powers, we recommend reading them in publication order, which matches the chronological sequence of the story.

Bailey Ruth Books in Publication and Chronological Order

Here is the complete order of the Bailey Ruth books, starting with her very first assignment from Heaven's Department of Good Intentions:

1. Ghost at Work (2008) - Bailey Ruth is sent back to Adelaide, Oklahoma, to save a pastor's wife from a murder frame-up.
2. Merry, Merry Ghost (2009) - A festive mystery where Bailey Ruth must protect a young boy's inheritance.
3. Ghost in Trouble (2010) - Bailey Ruth returns to Adelaide to help an old rival caught up in a murder investigation.
4. Ghost Gone Wild (2013) - Bailey Ruth is sent to protect a woman whose life is endangered by a family secret.
5. Ghost Wanted (2014) - Bailey Ruth investigates a suspicious death at a local college.
6. Ghost to the Rescue (2015) - A rescue mission turns into a search for a killer when a library volunteer is murdered.
7. Ghost Times Two (2016) - Bailey Ruth helps a local businesswoman while facing the challenge of a second ghost.
8. Ghost on the Case (2017) - Bailey Ruth helps a young woman clear her name of murder at a local resort.
9. Ghost Ups Her Game (2020) - Sent to check on a friend, Bailey Ruth must solve a murder at a wellness retreat.
10. Ghost Blows a Kiss (2021) - Bailey Ruth's final case involving a widow and a dark plot.

Where to Start Reading

The best place to start is the first book, Ghost at Work. This book introduces Adelaide, Oklahoma, the rules of the afterlife, and the delightful dynamics between Bailey Ruth and her strict supervisor, Wiggin, who heads Heaven's Department of Good Intentions.

Are There Crossovers or Spin-offs?

While Carolyn Hart is well-known for her Death on Demand and Henrie O series, the Bailey Ruth series stands completely alone. There are no formal crossovers, spin-offs, or co-authored books. However, fans of Hart's writing will recognize her signature cozy small-town setting and puzzle-like plots across all of her series.