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Buryin’ Barry Mysteries Books in Order

7 Books
2003 – 2018 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the Buryin’ Barry Mysteries

The best way to read the Buryin’ Barry Mysteries is in publication order. Because the series follows the evolution of Barry Clayton’s career, relationships, and his father's progressing Alzheimer's disease, reading the books in sequence ensures you experience the character development and overarching subplots exactly as author Mark de Castrique intended.

Buryin’ Barry Mysteries in Publication Order

The series consists of seven novels published between 2003 and 2018. Follow this path to join Barry in his Gainesboro investigations:

  1. Dangerous Undertaking (2003) - Barry returns to Gainesboro to help run the family funeral home and immediately encounters a murder.
  2. Grave Undertaking (2006) - A moved grave reveals a long-buried skeleton and a photograph connecting to Barry’s personal life.
  3. Foolish Undertaking (2007) - The body of a local war hero is stolen, leading Barry into a web of small-town secrets.
  4. Final Undertaking (2008) - An unexpected death at a local nursing home draws Barry into a deep conspiracy.
  5. Fatal Undertaking (2010) - A corpse is discovered in a borrowed casket during a Halloween event.
  6. Risky Undertaking (2014) - When Cherokee remains are uncovered in a cemetery, Barry must navigate tribal heritage and casino politics.
  7. Secret Undertaking (2018) - Barry investigates a complex case involving food stamp fraud and community vulnerabilities.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

There is no divergence between the chronological timeline of the story and the publication order. The narrative moves forward chronologically from the events of Dangerous Undertaking to Secret Undertaking. Starting anywhere other than the beginning will spoil major character arcs, particularly the status of the Clayton family funeral home and Barry's relationship developments.

Spin-offs, Co-authored Books, and Crossovers

Mark de Castrique has written several other well-received mystery series, such as the Sam Blackman series set in Asheville and the Ethel Fiona Crestwater "Secret Lives" series. However, the Buryin’ Barry Mysteries stand entirely on their own. There are no co-authored books, spin-off series, or crossover storylines involving Barry Clayton.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting point for the Buryin’ Barry series?

We recommend starting with the first book, Dangerous Undertaking. This book establishes Barry Clayton's transition from law enforcement to mortuary work and sets up the primary cast of Gainesboro.

QDo I need to read the Buryin’ Barry Mysteries in order?

Yes, reading them in order is highly recommended. While each book features a standalone murder mystery, the background storylines—such as Barry's relationship with his father and his personal growth—develop sequentially.

QWho is the author of the Buryin’ Barry Mysteries?

The series is written by Mark de Castrique, an American author and filmmaker known for setting his mysteries in his native North Carolina.

QWhere does the nickname "Buryin’ Barry" come from?

The nickname is given to the protagonist, Barry Clayton, because he is a former police officer who reluctantly takes over his family's funeral parlor in Gainesboro, North Carolina.

QAre there any crossovers between Buryin’ Barry and the Sam Blackman series?

No. While both series are written by Mark de Castrique and set in North Carolina, they exist in separate story universes and do not feature any character crossovers or shared cases.

QIs Gainesboro, North Carolina, a real place?

No, Gainesboro is a fictional mountain town created by Mark de Castrique, though it is heavily inspired by real communities in the Appalachian region of western North Carolina.