Books On Board
series Reading Order

Blackbird Sisters Mysteries Books in Order

15 Books
2002 – 2016 Published
Jump to reading order
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, we recommend starting with the first novel published, How to Murder a Millionaire. Although there are prequels set earlier in the timeline, starting here introduces you to the sisters and their world exactly as the author intended. From there, follow the series in chronological or publication order to see their relationships and life choices unfold naturally.

Blackbird Sisters Chronological Reading Order

If you prefer to read the events in the order they occur in the timeline—including the prequels and character-focused short stories—here is the chronological sequence:

  1. Lady Be Good (2014) - Prequel novella focusing on Libby Blackbird
  2. Mick Abruzzo's Story (2006) - Prequel short story focusing on Mick's perspective
  3. How to Murder a Millionaire (2002)
  4. Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds (2003)
  5. Some Like It Lethal (2004)
  6. Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die (2005)
  7. Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too (2006)
  8. A Crazy Little Thing Called Death (2007)
  9. Murder Melts in Your Mouth (2008)
  10. Slay Belles (2012) - A festive Christmas-themed novella
  11. No Way to Kill a Lady (2012)
  12. Little Black Book of Murder (2013)
  13. Mick Abruzzo: The Second Wire (2014) - A companion novella
  14. A Little Night Murder (2014)
  15. Bye, Bye Blackbird (2016) - Novella following the events of the tenth novel

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

While the chronological order places the prequels first, reading Lady Be Good and Mick Abruzzo's Story after you have read at least a few novels makes them more enjoyable. They contain details and references that assume familiarity with the main characters' quirks and history. The main novels are best read in their original publication order to track Nora's evolving relationship with Mick Abruzzo and the ongoing family drama.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Blackbird Sisters Mysteries?

You should start with How to Murder a Millionaire (2002), the very first book published in the series. It establishes the characters, setting, and relationships perfectly.

QWho are the Blackbird sisters?

The sisters are Nora, Libby, and Emma Blackbird. They are former Philadelphia heiresses whose parents absconded with their trust funds, forcing them to get jobs and solve high-society murders to get by.

QIs the Blackbird Sisters Mysteries series finished?

Yes, the series concluded with the novella Bye, Bye Blackbird in 2016. Author Nancy Martin has not published new installments since then.

QHow many novels and novellas are in the series?

The series consists of 10 full-length novels and 5 shorter works (including short stories, prequels, and novellas) for a total of 15 titles.

QWho is Mick Abruzzo?

Mick Abruzzo is the son of a mob boss who becomes the main love interest of Nora Blackbird. His complicated background and charm add a romantic suspense element to the cozy mystery plots.

QAre there spin-offs or related books?

No, there are no official spin-off series, but the companion novellas like Mick Abruzzo: The Second Wire focus closely on side characters from the main series.