How to Read the Culhane Family Series
The Culhane Family series, co-authored by bestselling mystery writer Janet Evanovich and romance author Dorien Kelly, consists of two standalone novels linked by the Culhane lineage. Because the books take place in completely different eras and feature different main characters, you have two primary options for your reading order.
We recommend reading the series in publication order to enjoy the books as they were originally presented to readers.
Culhane Family Reading Orders
1. Publication Order (Recommended)
Starting with the contemporary mystery and moving to the historical prequel is the standard way to experience the duology:
- Love in a Nutshell (2012) – Set in modern times, introducing Matt Culhane.
- The Husband List (2013) – A historical prequel set in the late 19th century, featuring Jack Culhane.
2. Chronological Order
If you prefer to follow the family history from past to present, you can read the historical prequel first:
- The Husband List (Set in 1894 New York City)
- Love in a Nutshell (Set in contemporary Michigan)
About the Books and the Culhane Connection
Since the books do not follow a continuous storyline, they can easily be read as standalone novels. The primary link is the Culhane heritage, bridging the family's past and present:
- Love in a Nutshell: Set in modern-day Keene's Harbor, Michigan. It follows Kate Appleton, who is hired by contemporary brewery owner Matt Culhane to spy on his employees to catch a saboteur.
- The Husband List: Set in 1894 New York City. It follows Caroline Maxwell, a Gilded Age heiress who falls for the roguish Jack Culhane, an Irish-American ancestor of the family line.
- Nuts About Love: If you want both stories in one package, look for this omnibus compilation, which contains both novels.