Books On Board
series Reading Order

Buddy Files Books in Order

7 Books
2010 – 2018 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Reading Order

For the best experience, we recommend reading The Buddy Files in publication order. Because the first three books follow a continuous storyline exploring how Buddy (formerly named King) got lost, found a new family, and searched for his original home, reading them in sequence is highly satisfying.

The Buddy Files Book List

  1. The Case of the Lost Boy (2010)
  2. The Case of the Mixed-Up Mutts (2010) - Also cataloged in some databases under the singular title "The Case of the Mixed-Up Mutt".
  3. The Case of the Missing Family (2010)
  4. The Case of the Fire Alarm (2010)
  5. The Case of the Library Monster (2011)
  6. The Case of the School Ghost (2012)
  7. The Case of the P-O-U-N-D Pet (2018)

Understanding the Story Arcs

The series can be divided into two main phases:

  • The Search for Kayla (Books 1–3): In The Case of the Lost Boy, Buddy is separated from his original family and adopted by a boy named Connor. The next two books follow his search for his original owner, Kayla, culminating in a bittersweet reunion in The Case of the Missing Family, where Buddy must choose where he truly belongs.
  • Standalone Mysteries (Books 4–7): Once Buddy's family situation is settled, the remaining books function as standalone mysteries. Buddy acts as a therapy dog at Connor’s school, solving local cases like false fire alarms, suspected library monsters, and school ghosts.

Prequels and Spin-Offs

The King & Kayla Prequel Series

Before he was Buddy, he was King! Author Dori Hillestad Butler launched the King & Kayla series in 2017. Aimed at younger, newly independent readers (ages 4–7), these Geisel Honor-winning books serve as a prequel series. They feature King and his original owner, Kayla, solving simple mysteries together before they were separated. If you have younger kids, starting with King & Kayla is a wonderful way to introduce them to the character before they graduate to the chapter books of The Buddy Files.

Spiritual Successor: The Haunted Library

While writing the sixth book, The Case of the School Ghost, Butler originally planned to include a family of ghosts. After her husband suggested that a dog mystery series should stay focused on dogs, she removed the ghost subplot and developed it into a brand-new bestselling series: The Haunted Library. Fans of Buddy's mysteries will find the same charming, kid-friendly suspense there.

Frequently Asked

QIn what order should I read The Buddy Files?

You should read them in publication order, starting with The Case of the Lost Boy. The first three books form a continuous story arc resolving Buddy's search for his original family, while later books are standalone mysteries.

QHow does the King & Kayla series connect to The Buddy Files?

King & Kayla is a prequel series starring the same golden retriever before he was separated from his owner Kayla and became known as Buddy. It is designed for younger, newly independent readers (ages 4–7).

QIs there a seventh Buddy Files book?

Yes! While the main series ran from 2010 to 2012 with six books, Dori Hillestad Butler published a seventh book, The Case of the P-O-U-N-D Pet, in 2018.

QWhat reading level is The Buddy Files suitable for?

The series is a step up from the King & Kayla prequel, aimed at children aged 6 to 9 (typically grades 1 to 3) who are ready for early chapter books.

QIs The Buddy Files connected to The Haunted Library?

While they don't share characters, writing the sixth book, The Case of the School Ghost, inspired author Dori Hillestad Butler to create The Haunted Library after she spun off her school ghost ideas into a dedicated series.