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Beth Kennedy Books in Order

5 Books
2010 – 2014 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Reading Order

The Beth Kennedy series (popularly known as the PTA Mysteries) follows a direct, linear timeline. There are no prequel novellas or spin-off short stories, meaning the publication order matches the chronological storyline perfectly. To get the full experience of Beth's personal growth, her relationships, and the changing dynamics of the Rynwood PTA, you should read the books in order of their release.

Beth Kennedy Books in Order

  1. Murder at the PTA (2010) – Introduces Beth Kennedy, owner of the Children's Bookshelf bookstore, who reluctantly gets roped into the Tarver Elementary PTA by her friend Marina, only for the school's principal to turn up dead.
  2. Foul Play at the PTA (2011) – Serving as the PTA secretary, Beth investigates a parent's murder while dealing with a new bookstore employee who has a suspicious past.
  3. Plotting at the PTA (2012) – A local resident's death from an apparent bee sting leads Beth to suspect foul play and dig into decades-old town secrets.
  4. Curse of the PTA (2013) – Stepping up as the new PTA president, Beth faces budget disputes, a dead financial consultant inside the school, and rumors of a local curse.
  5. Poison at the PTA (2014) – In the series finale, Beth investigates a poisoning incident that disrupts the PTA's landmark 80th anniversary celebration.

What to Read Next

Because the Beth Kennedy series ended in 2014 after five novels, readers looking for more cozy mysteries from the same author can explore the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series. This popular series is written under the author's other pseudonym, Laurie Cass, and features a library worker sleuth and her feline sidekick, carrying over the same lighthearted tone and small-town charm.

Frequently Asked

QDo you need to read the Beth Kennedy series in order?

Yes. It is highly recommended to read the series in order starting with Murder at the PTA. The books follow a chronological timeline where Beth's personal life, her kids, and her role in the PTA progress from book to book.

QWho wrote the Beth Kennedy mystery books?

The series is written by Laura Alden, which is a pen name for cozy mystery author Laurie Cass.

QWhere is the Beth Kennedy series set?

The books are set in the fictional small town of Rynwood, Wisconsin.

QHow many books are in the Beth Kennedy series?

There are exactly five books in the series, starting with Murder at the PTA in 2010 and ending with Poison at the PTA in 2014.

QWhat is Beth Kennedy's profession?

Beth is a divorced mother of two who owns and operates a local children's bookstore called the Children's Bookshelf.

QAre there any spin-offs or co-authored books in the series?

No, there are no spin-offs, short stories, or co-authored books. However, fans of the series will enjoy the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series written by the author under the name Laurie Cass.