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series Reading Order

Cleopatra Fox Books in Order

9 Books
2020 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order for Cleopatra Fox

To fully appreciate the character growth, the ongoing subplots, and the slow-burn romance between Cleopatra 'Cleo' Fox and Harry Armitage, it is highly recommended to read the series in order of publication. Because there are no prequels, side novellas, or spin-offs, the chronological sequence aligns perfectly with the order in which the books were released.

The series begins in December 1899, placing Cleo in the heart of London at the turn of the century. Below is the complete reading path:

  1. Murder at the Mayfair Hotel (2020) – The debut novel that introduces Cleo as she moves into her uncle's luxury hotel and investigates a Christmas Eve poisoning.
  2. Murder at the Piccadilly Playhouse (2021) – Cleo dives into the theater world to solve the mysterious death of a celebrated actress.
  3. Murder in the Drawing Room (2021) – A high-society gathering turns deadly, thrusting Cleo into a web of blackmail.
  4. Murder at the Dressmaker's Salon (2022) – A fashionable salon becomes a crime scene when a seamstress is found dead.
  5. Murder at the Debutante Ball (2022) – Cleo navigates the strict rules of Victorian debutante culture to uncover a killer.
  6. Murder at the Crown and Anchor (2023) – A mystery unfolding in a local London pub tests Cleo's detective instincts.
  7. Murder at the Polo Club (2023) – An elite sporting venue becomes the backdrop for murder.
  8. Murder at the Dinner Party (2024) – A formal dinner ends in tragedy, exposing dark family secrets.
  9. Murder on the Brighton Express (2024) – A fast-paced locomotive mystery set on the railway lines to the coast.
  10. Murder at Hambledon Hall (2025) – Cleo travels outside of London to investigate a murder at a grand country estate.
  11. Murder on Harley Street (2025) – Medical secrets and high-stakes drama collide in London's famous medical district.
  12. Murder and the Missing Treasure (2026) – A search for lost artifacts leads to a deadly confrontation.
  13. Murder Under the Mistletoe (Scheduled for December 2026) – The thirteenth installment, bringing festive danger back to Victorian London.

Chronological and Order Caveats

Fortunately for readers, the Cleopatra Fox series does not feature a complicated timeline. Each book takes place shortly after the events of the previous one, charting Cleo's growing independence, her evolving role at the Mayfair Hotel, and her developing relationship with assistant manager Harry Armitage. Skipping around is not recommended, as key recurring characters are introduced and developed throughout the series, and earlier cases are occasionally referenced.

Series Context and Connections

C.J. Archer is well known for her historical fantasy series, such as Glass and Steele. However, the Cleopatra Fox Mysteries are strictly historical cozy mysteries with no fantasy or magical elements. They are entirely standalone and do not cross over with her other fictional universes, making them the perfect entry point for readers who prefer traditional, light historical detective fiction.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Cleopatra Fox series?

You should start with the first book, Murder at the Mayfair Hotel (2020), as the books follow a strict chronological timeline and character relationships develop continuously from this point.

QAre there any prequels or novellas in the Cleopatra Fox series?

No, there are currently no prequels, short stories, or novellas in the series. The reading order consists entirely of the main, full-length novels.

QIs the Cleopatra Fox series connected to C.J. Archer's fantasy books?

No, the Cleopatra Fox Mysteries are traditional historical cozy mysteries and do not contain magic, fantasy, or crossovers with series like Glass and Steele.

QHow many books are in the Cleopatra Fox series?

As of mid-2026, there are 12 published novels in the series, with a 13th book, Murder Under the Mistletoe, scheduled for release in December 2026.

QDo Cleopatra Fox and Harry Armitage get together?

The series features a slow-burn romance between Cleo and Harry. To avoid spoilers, their relationship evolves gradually over the course of the novels, which is a key reason to read them in order.