Books On Board
series Reading Order

Cat Latimer Mystery Books in Order

11 Books
2016 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best experience, we recommend reading the Cat Latimer Mystery series in publication order. Even though the prequel novella takes place first chronologically, starting with the first full-length novel, A Story to Kill, introduces you to the cozy atmosphere of Aspen Hills and the recurring cast of characters exactly as Lynn Cahoon intended. Once you're invested in Cat's journey, you can read the prequel novella as a fun flashback or insert it after book six.

Cat Latimer Mystery Publication Order

Here is the list of Lynn Cahoon's Cat Latimer Mystery books in the order they were published:

  1. A Story to Kill (2016)
  2. Fatality by Firelight (2017)
  3. Of Murder and Men (2017)
  4. Slay in Character (2018)
  5. Sconed to Death (2019)
  6. A Field Guide to Homicide (2020)
  7. Body in the Book Drop (2021) — Prequel Novella
  8. A Killer Christmas Wish (2021)
  9. Caught Dead to Write (2022)
  10. Murder on a Snowy Evening (2023)
  11. Formal Fatality (2024)

Chronological vs. Publication Order

While publication order is recommended, readers who prefer a strict chronological timeline can choose to start with the prequel. Here is how they stack up:

  • Chronological Order: Starts with Body in the Book Drop, which follows a younger Cat Latimer in graduate school trying to clear her mother's name after a library board member is found murdered. From there, read the main books 1 through 10 in order.
  • Publication Order: Follows the list above. Starting with A Story to Kill introduces you to Cat's adult life as an ex-professor running a Victorian bed-and-breakfast writers' retreat, establishing the status quo before revealing her backstory later.

Connections, Spin-offs, and Crossovers

Lynn Cahoon is a prolific author famous for several cozy mystery series, including the Tourist Trap Mysteries and Kitchen Witch Mysteries. However, the Cat Latimer Mystery series exists completely in its own standalone universe. There are no official crossovers, spin-offs, or co-authored entries. You do not need to read any of Cahoon's other series to fully enjoy Cat's sleuthing adventures in Colorado.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Cat Latimer series?

It is best to start with the first novel, A Story to Kill, to get introduced to the main cast and the writers' retreat setting. You can read the prequel novella, Body in the Book Drop, later as a backstory look.

QIs 'Body in the Book Drop' a full-length novel?

No, Body in the Book Drop is a prequel novella that focuses on Cat's life as a graduate student before she runs the writers' retreat.

QAre there crossovers with Lynn Cahoon's Tourist Trap series?

No. While both series are written by Lynn Cahoon, they feature different characters and settings and do not cross over.

QWhere does the Cat Latimer series take place?

The series is set in the fictional town of Aspen Hills, Colorado, where Cat hosts writers' retreats in her Victorian home.

QAre there any co-authored books in this series?

No, Lynn Cahoon is the sole author of all the books and novellas in the Cat Latimer Mystery series.