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Cupcake Bakery Mysteries Books in Order

16 Books
2010 – 2024 Published
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How to Read the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries

For the best reading experience, you should read the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries in publication order. The series is written in chronological order, following the lives, careers, and romantic relationships of best friends Melanie "Mel" Cooper and Angie DeLaura as they run their Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Because the characters grow, experience major milestones (like weddings, family drama, and competing on national television), and reference past cases, jumping around will spoil key character-development plotlines. Plus, you get to watch their bakery menu and recipes evolve from book to book!

Cupcake Bakery Mysteries in Publication Order

Here is the complete list of books in the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries in their recommended reading order:

  1. Sprinkle with Murder (2010)
  2. Buttercream Bump Off (2011)
  3. Death by the Dozen (2011)
  4. Red Velvet Revenge (2012)
  5. Going, Going, Ganache (2013)
  6. Sugar and Iced (2014)
  7. Dark Chocolate Demise (2015)
  8. Vanilla Beaned (2016)
  9. Caramel Crush (2017)
  10. Wedding Cake Crumble (2018)
  11. Dying for Devil's Food (2019)
  12. Pumpkin Spice Peril (2020)
  13. For Batter or Worse (2021)
  14. Strawberried Alive (2022)
  15. Sugar Plum Poisoned (2023)
  16. Fondant Fumble (2024)

Chronological Order & Reading Caveats

Since the chronological sequence of the storyline matches the publication dates, there is no need to shuffle the books. However, readers should note that the series is known for its delicious real-life baking recipes included at the end of each volume. If you are reading the books for the culinary ideas, they are designed to match the themes of the respective mysteries, so reading them in order lets you experience the seasons and holidays alongside Fairy Tale Cupcakes.

The Future of the Series

As of mid-2026, the latest published installment is the 16th book, Fondant Fumble, which came out in 2024. Author Jenn McKinlay has shared updates indicating that future entries in the series will likely be independently published rather than released through a traditional mass-market paperback publisher, due to shifts in retail availability for mass-market formats. She is currently developing ideas for the 17th book.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best order to read the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries?

You should read them in publication order. The characters' relationships, personal lives, and business developments progress chronologically from the first book, Sprinkle with Murder, to the latest releases.

QWho wrote the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries?

The series is written by New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.

QAre there recipes included in the books?

Yes, each book contains recipes for the cupcakes featured in the story, allowing you to bake them at home.

QHow many books are in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series?

There are currently 16 published books in the series, ending with Fondant Fumble.

QWill there be a 17th book in the Cupcake Bakery series?

Yes, Jenn McKinlay has confirmed she is working on ideas for book 17, which she plans to publish independently due to changes in traditional mass-market paperback distribution.

QWhere does the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series take place?

The books are set in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, where the main characters run their bakery, Fairy Tale Cupcakes.