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series Reading Order

Chocoholic Mysteries Books in Order

18 Books
2002 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the Chocoholic Mysteries

For the best reading experience, we highly recommend reading the Chocoholic Mysteries in publication order. While each book features a standalone murder mystery with a satisfying resolution, Lee McKinney's personal life, business expertise, and romantic relationships develop chronologically across the novels.

If you want to start from the absolute beginning, you can seek out the prequel short story, The Chocolate Kidnapping Clue (often referred to as Book 0.5), which features a teenage Lee. However, starting with the first full-length novel, The Chocolate Cat Caper, is the most common path for new readers.

The Core Series in Publication Order

Follow Lee's journey from a Texas transplant to a skilled Michigan chocolatier and sleuth through the official publication order list below:

  1. The Chocolate Cat Caper (2002)
  2. The Chocolate Bear Burglary (2002)
  3. The Chocolate Frog Frame-Up (2003)
  4. The Chocolate Puppy Puzzle (2004)
  5. The Chocolate Mouse Trap (2005)
  6. The Chocolate Bridal Bash (2006)
  7. The Chocolate Jewel Case (2007)
  8. The Chocolate Snowman Murders (2008)
  9. The Chocolate Cupid Killings (2009)
  10. The Chocolate Pirate Plot (2010)
  11. The Chocolate Castle Clue (2011)
  12. The Chocolate Moose Motive (2012)
  13. The Chocolate Book Bandit (2013)
  14. The Chocolate Clown Corpse (2014)
  15. The Chocolate Falcon Fraud (2015)
  16. The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha (2016)
  17. The Chocolate Shark Shenanigans (2019)
  18. The Chocolate Raccoon Rigmarole (2021)

Understanding the Prequel and Collections

If you are looking for the short story The Chocolate Kidnapping Clue, it was originally published in the 2001 anthology And the Dying is Easy. Because standalone copies are hard to find, many readers access it through the Crime de Cocoa omnibus edition, which conveniently packages the short story alongside the first three novels of the series.

As the series progresses, you will witness Lee's life undergo major shifts, including her marriage to local lawyer Joe Woodyard. Reading the books out of order might spoil these heartwarming personal milestones, so sticking to the publication list ensures you do not miss any of the character development.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended reading order for the Chocoholic Mysteries?

It is best to read the series in publication order. This ensures you follow the natural progression of Lee's career, her relationships, and her life in Warner Pier without spoilers.

QWhere does 'The Chocolate Kidnapping Clue' fit in?

This short story serves as a prequel (Book 0.5) featuring a teenage Lee. You can read it first as a setup or find it inside the Crime de Cocoa omnibus collection.

QIs Warner Pier a real town?

No, Warner Pier is a fictional Michigan resort town. However, the author drew heavy inspiration from real-life lakeside communities like Saugatuck and Holland, Michigan.

QWho is the author behind JoAnna Carl?

JoAnna Carl is the pen name of Eve K. Sandstrom, an established journalist and mystery writer who named her pseudonym after her children's middle names.

QDo the books contain real chocolate trivia?

Yes! Every chapter in the series kicks off with fascinating chocolate trivia, history, and facts, making the books a delight for real-life chocolate lovers.

QIs the Chocoholic Mysteries series complete?

As of 2026, the series appears to be on a hiatus. The most recent novel, The Chocolate Raccoon Rigmarole, was released in 2021, and no new titles have been announced since.