Books On Board
series Reading Order

Cumberland Creek Books in Order

7 Books
2012 – 2015 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Cumberland Creek Reading Order

To fully appreciate the character growth, evolving relationships, and unfolding small-town dynamics of Cumberland Creek, it is highly recommended to read the series in chronological order. The two digital novellas, Scrappy Summer and Scrappily Ever After, fit neatly between the main novels and add delightful extra context to the scrapbooking circle's adventures.

  1. Scrapbook of Secrets (2012) – The Agatha Award-nominated debut introduces Annie Chamovitz, a former investigative reporter who joins the local scrapbooking crop circle, only to find herself investigating a suspicious suicide.
  2. Scrapped (2012) – When the quirky local witch Cookie is accused of murder, Annie and the crop circle step in to clear her name amidst runic clues.
  3. Death of an Irish Diva (2014) – A local Irish dance instructor is murdered, prompting the scrapbooking crew to unravel a mystery tangled in local rivalries.
  4. Scrappy Summer (2014) – (Novella 3.5) A quick, seasonal digital short story that bridges the events of the third and fourth novels.
  5. A Crafty Christmas (2014) – Holiday tensions rise when a boutique owner is found dead, leading to a festive but dangerous investigation.
  6. Scrappily Ever After (2015) – (Novella 4.5) A romantic and mystery-filled digital novella focusing on wedding preparations and unexpected secrets.
  7. Scrapbook of the Dead (2015) – The crop circle probes the deaths of two sisters, uncovering a mystery tied directly to old scrapbooks.

The Appeal of Cumberland Creek

Set in a picturesque Virginia town in the Shenandoah Valley, Mollie Cox Bryan’s books blend classic cozy tropes with slightly darker, more realistic mystery plots. The heart of the series is the bond between the women in the scrapbooking circle, including Annie, Sheila, Cookie, Beatrice, and others. For craft enthusiasts, the physical editions of the novels offer a bonus: they contain real scrapbooking tips and a glossary of terms.

What to Read Next

If you have finished the Cumberland Creek mysteries and want more of Mollie Cox Bryan's signature craft-centric style, you can explore her other series. She has written the Cora Crafts Mystery series (beginning with Death & Double Stitch) set in North Carolina, and the Buttermilk Creek Mystery series (beginning with Christmas Dairy Disaster), which features a cheese-making protagonist in Virginia.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting point for the Cumberland Creek series?

You should start with the first novel, Scrapbook of Secrets, to understand the characters' introductions and how the scrapbooking crop circle first forms.

QAre the Cumberland Creek novellas necessary to understand the main plot?

No, the novellas Scrappy Summer and Scrappily Ever After are optional side stories. However, they provide fun extra details about the characters' personal lives and are highly recommended for completists.

QDo the books contain real craft tips?

Yes! The Cumberland Creek novels feature actual scrapbooking tips and craft-related glossaries, making them a special treat for DIY enthusiasts.

QIs the Cumberland Creek series completed?

The series paused after the release of Scrapbook of the Dead in 2015. While the main storylines are wrapped up, the author has occasionally hinted at the possibility of returning to the universe.

QWhere does the Cumberland Creek series take place?

The series is set in the fictional town of Cumberland Creek, located in Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley.

QAre there any crossover novels with Mollie Cox Bryan's other series?

No, the Cumberland Creek series, the Cora Crafts series, and the Buttermilk Creek series all take place in separate universes with distinct characters and settings.