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series Reading Order

Brothers Grimm Mystery Books in Order

4 Books
2014 – 2017 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

P.J. Brackston’s Brothers Grimm Mystery series (also widely known as the Detective Gretel series) consists of four main books and one introductory short story. While the series is highly episodic, characters grow and deal with the psychological fallout of their childhood encounter with the witch. The recommended approach is to read the series in chronological order, starting with the prequel story and novel to fully appreciate Gretel’s journey from a reluctant investigator into a professional sleuth.

Chronological Order (Recommended)

  • Detective Gretel (Short Story / Book 0.5) – Gretel solves a minor village mystery in Gesternstadt involving a lost golden piglet, inspiring her to become a private investigator.
  • Once Upon a Crime (2015) – The first full-length prequel novel where Gretel tackles a case of missing cats and a grisly murder.
  • Gretel and the Case of the Missing Frog Prints (2015) – Gretel travels to Nuremberg to investigate stolen artwork while dodging a persistent constable.
  • The Case of the Fickle Mermaid (2016) – Gretel journeys to the northern coast to investigate smuggling and disappearing sailors.
  • The Sorcerer's Appendix (2017) – Gretel searches for a missing sorcerer, a case that ultimately forces her back to the dark woods of her childhood.

Publication Order

If you prefer to read the books as they were originally released to the public, follow this sequence:

  1. Gretel and the Case of the Missing Frog Prints (January 2015)
  2. Once Upon a Crime (July 2015)
  3. The Case of the Fickle Mermaid (January 2016)
  4. The Sorcerer's Appendix (November 2017)

Note that the introductory short story Detective Gretel was released digitally around the same time as the novels to give readers an accessible entry point to the character’s quirky backstory.

Where Should You Start?

For the best character development, start with Once Upon a Crime (or the short story Detective Gretel). Reading these first establishes Gretel's eccentric life in Gesternstadt, her complicated relationship with her brother Hans, and the origins of her detective agency before she leaves her home village for larger investigations in Nuremberg and beyond.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the Brothers Grimm Mystery series about?

It is a historical fantasy-mystery series set in 18th-century Bavaria. It features a grown-up, 35-year-old Gretel (from the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale) working as a private investigator, solving cases involving fairy-tale creatures, magic, and murder alongside her bumbling brother Hans.

QWho is P.J. Brackston?

P.J. Brackston is a pen name used by Paula Brackston, the New York Times bestselling author of historical fantasy novels like The Witch's Daughter. She adopted this pseudonym to write lighter, more humorous cozy mysteries.

QHow many books are in the Brothers Grimm Mystery series?

There are four full-length novels and one companion short story (Detective Gretel) in the series.

QIs Once Upon a Crime a prequel?

Yes, Once Upon a Crime is a prequel. Even though it was published second in the series (July 2015), the events take place before the debut novel, Gretel and the Case of the Missing Frog Prints.

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

No, the series was written entirely by P.J. Brackston alone, and there are currently no spin-offs, sequels, or co-authored books associated with this specific universe.

QIs the series suitable for young readers?

Although it is based on fairy tales, the series is aimed at adult readers. It features adult themes, dry humor, satire, and murder mysteries, though it remains a relatively light, cozy read.