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Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries Books in Order

13 Books
2018 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Reading Order

The Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries are best read in order of publication. Evolving romance, recurring characters, and Beatrice’s status in Regency society develop continuously across the books. Here is the sequence of the main series:

  1. A Brazen Curiosity (2018)
  2. A Scandalous Deception (2018)
  3. An Infamous Betrayal (2018)
  4. A Nefarious Engagement (2019)
  5. A Treacherous Performance (2019)
  6. A Sinister Establishment (2020)
  7. A Boldly Daring Scheme (2020) — Focuses on Beatrice's cousin, Flora Hyde-Clare
  8. A Ghastly Spectacle (2021)
  9. A Malevolent Connection (2021)
  10. An Ominous Explosion (2022)
  11. An Extravagant Duplicity (2023)
  12. A Murderous Tryst (2023)
  13. A Vicious Machination (2024) — Features a crossover with the Verity Lark spin-off series
  14. A Pernicious Fabrication (2025)
  15. A Wretched Folly (2026)

Understanding the Spin-offs & Companion Series

Lynn Messina has expanded the Beatrice Hyde-Clare universe with two companion spin-offs. Reading them at the right time enhances the narrative:

The Flora Hyde-Clare Mysteries

This subseries centers on Beatrice's cousin Flora Hyde-Clare. The first book, A Boldly Daring Scheme (2020), is frequently cataloged as Book 7 of the main series because it continues directly in the timeline, but with Flora taking the lead investigator role.

The Verity Lark Mysteries

This series follows Verity Lark, the illegitimate half-sister of the Duke of Kesgrave. The stories are deeply interconnected with the main series, especially surrounding Verity's imprisonment and legal troubles. The recommended reading order for this spin-off is:

  • A Lark’s Tale (2022)
  • A Lark’s Flight (2023)
  • A Lark’s Conceit (2024)
  • A Lark’s Release (2024)
  • A Lark’s Regret (2025)
  • A Lark’s Gambit (2026)

Reading Tip: For the ultimate reading experience, read at least the first three Verity Lark books before starting the thirteenth Beatrice Hyde-Clare book, A Vicious Machination, where Beatrice and Verity officially team up.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries?

You should start with the first book in the main series, A Brazen Curiosity (2018). This establishes the characters, Beatrice's amateur sleuthing, and her relationship with the Duke of Kesgrave.

QHow do the Verity Lark Mysteries connect to Beatrice Hyde-Clare?

The Verity Lark Mysteries is a companion spin-off series set in the same Regency world. Verity Lark is the Duke of Kesgrave's illegitimate half-sister. The two series merge in the thirteenth Beatrice book, A Vicious Machination.

QWhen should I read the Flora Hyde-Clare books?

The Flora Hyde-Clare books (beginning with A Boldly Daring Scheme in 2020) focus on Beatrice's cousin Flora. While sometimes integrated as Book 7 of the main series, it is best read in its publication sequence between A Sinister Establishment and A Ghastly Spectacle.

QIs there a difference between the publication order and chronological order?

No, the series is best read in publication order. The main timeline moves forward linearly, showing Beatrice's progression from a spinster to a duchess and her evolving relationship with the Duke.

QHow many books are in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries?

As of 2026, there are 15 main novels in the series, starting with A Brazen Curiosity in 2018 and the latest being A Wretched Folly in 2026.