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series Reading Order

Catherine LeVendeur Books in Order

10 Books
1993 – 2004 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Catherine LeVendeur series in publication order. Because the characters age, marry, and experience significant life changes over the course of the series, reading the books chronologically ensures you do not spoil major character developments or relationship milestones.

The main novels in the series follow a strict chronological sequence that matches their release dates:

  1. Death Comes as Epiphany (1993): Set in 1139 at the Convent of the Paraclete. Catherine must locate a reputedly heretical manuscript to protect her mentor, the famous Abbess Héloïse, leading her to cross paths with the Anglo-Scot soldier Edgar.
  2. The Devil's Door (1994): Catherine, now living back with her family, investigates the assault and subsequent death of a wealthy noblewoman at a local convent, uncovering dark family secrets.
  3. The Wandering Arm (1995): Now married to Edgar and living in Paris, Catherine is drawn into the illicit trade of holy relics and a series of murders targeting relic merchants.
  4. Strong as Death (1996): Catherine and Edgar embark on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, facing dangers along the medieval road.
  5. Cursed in the Blood (1998): The couple travels to Edgar's homeland of Scotland to confront his family's violent past and clear his name of a murder accusation.
  6. The Difficult Saint (1999): Set during the preparations for the wedding of Catherine's temperamental sister, Agnes, which is thrown into chaos when the groom-to-be is murdered.
  7. To Wear the White Cloak (2000): Catherine returns to France to find Paris in turmoil, where she is asked to investigate a murder involving a Knight Templar.
  8. Heresy (2002): Catherine travels to Southern France, where she must navigate the rising tensions of religious dissent and Cathar beliefs.
  9. The Outcast Dove (2003): The investigation takes Catherine and Edgar to Segovia and Toledo in Spain, focusing on the complex web of relationships and persecution affecting the Jewish community.
  10. The Witch in the Well (2004): Returning to her family home, Catherine investigates local superstitions, a drying village well, and the murder of a bitter local woman.

Chronological Adjustments and Short Stories

In addition to the ten main novels, Sharan Newman published a short story collection that expands the universe:

  • Death Before Compline (2011): This collection contains seven short stories featuring Catherine, her husband Edgar, and her cousin Solomon. While it was published after the main series concluded, one key story, "Conventual Spirit," takes place before the events of Death Comes as Epiphany, making it a chronological prequel.

If you want to read the series in strict timeline order, you should read "Conventual Spirit" first, followed by the ten novels in publication order, and then enjoy the remaining stories in Death Before Compline as companion pieces.

The Historical Framework of Catherine's World

What sets this series apart is the immense historical expertise of its author. Sharan Newman, a trained medievalist, seamlessly integrates real historical events and figures into Catherine’s mysteries. Readers will cross paths with Héloïse and Peter Abelard, witness the political struggles of 12th-century France, and experience the cultural realities of the era. The books are celebrated for their nuanced depiction of interfaith relations—particularly the interactions between medieval Christians and Jewish merchants, represented by Catherine's cousin Solomon—offering a vivid, accurate, and empathetic look at the Middle Ages.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Catherine LeVendeur series?

You should start with the first novel, Death Comes as Epiphany. It introduces Catherine's background at the Convent of the Paraclete and establishes her relationships with Edgar and her family, which develop throughout the series.

QAre there any prequel stories in the series?

Yes. The short story "Conventual Spirit," which is included in the collection Death Before Compline, is set before the events of the first novel and covers Catherine's early days in a convent in Brittany.

QIs the chronological order different from the publication order?

For the ten main novels, the chronological order is identical to the publication order. The only exception is the short story collection Death Before Compline, which contains stories set at various points, including a prequel.

QWho are the recurring historical figures in the books?

The series frequently features real-life historical figures, most notably the famous medieval lovers and scholars Héloïse and Peter Abelard, who serve as mentors and key figures in Catherine's life.

QDo the books need to be read in order?

Yes, it is highly recommended. While each mystery is self-contained, the overarching storyline tracks Catherine's marriage, family life, and personal growth, which progress chronologically from book to book.

QIs there a spin-off series or related fiction?

While there is no direct spin-off, Sharan Newman has written a separate mystery series set in 19th-century Oregon (the Emily Stratton series, starting with The Shanghai Tunnel) as well as the Guinevere fantasy trilogy.