The Best Way to Read the Davis Way Crime Caper Series
For the best experience, readers should follow the Davis Way Crime Caper series in strict publication order. Written by Gretchen Archer, this cozy mystery series blends Southern charm, casino glitz, and fast-paced capers. While each book introduces a fresh mystery, the character development, romantic subplots, and family dynamics are continuous. Reading the books out of order will spoil major life milestones for the protagonist, Davis Way, including her career promotions, marriage, pregnancy, and motherhood.
Davis Way Crime Caper Books in Chronological Order
The chronological order of the series matches the publication order. The main series consists of thirteen full-length novels, accompanied by two award-nominated short stories set in the same universe. Below is the complete timeline for Davis's adventures:
- Double Whammy (2013) – Davis Way lands a job at the Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, only to find herself investigating rigged slot machines, a high-stakes conspiracy, and dealing with the unexpected presence of her ex-husband.
- Double Dip (2014) – Davis goes undercover to locate a missing executive assistant and crack a suspicious winning streak, all while navigating her growing attraction to Bradley Cole.
- Double Strike (2014) – A major hurricane strikes Biloxi, trapping Davis inside the casino where she must solve a high-profile heist and handle a chaotic social media frenzy.
- Double Mint (2015) – Davis is sent to Pine Apple, Alabama, to protect a wealthy heiress, which leads to small-town family secrets, eccentric characters, and plenty of trouble.
- Double Knot (2016) – Trapped on a luxury cruise ship with a locked-room mystery, a pregnant Davis must solve a crime before the ship docks, despite her severe morning sickness.
- Double Jinx (2016) – A short story set between the events of the fifth and sixth novels. Davis handles a high-stress situation during a casino promotion. This story was nominated for the Agatha and Anthony Awards.
- Double Up (2017) – Davis balances new motherhood with a complex investigation involving casino impersonators, hidden identities, and high-tech corporate espionage.
- Double Deck the Halls (2017) – A holiday-themed short story featuring Davis's grandmother, Granny Dee, who attempts to stop a criminal disguised as an elf during a senior slot tournament. This story was nominated for the Agatha Award.
- Double Dog Dare (2018) – Davis faces a blackmailer threatening to expose secrets about the Bellissimo, leading to a race against time to protect her family and her job.
- Double Agent (2019) – Davis takes on a security assignment that requires her to act as a double agent, testing her loyalty and spy skills to the limit.
- Double Trouble (2020) – Davis faces double the danger when multiple casino scams collide, requiring help from her eccentric best friend, Fantasy Erb, and the Bellissimo crew.
- Double Wide (2021) – Davis investigates a mysterious case that takes her off the casino floor and into a complex web of Southern family drama and hidden assets.
- Double Dose (2023) – Davis navigates a complex web of health-related scams and casino security breaches, keeping the pacing fast and the humor sharp.
- Double Blast (2024) – A explosive mystery that threatens to tear the Bellissimo apart, forcing Davis to use every resource at her disposal to save the day.
- Double Dicey (2026) – Released on April 27, 2026, the thirteenth novel sees Davis managing a high-stakes gambling tournament that goes completely off the rails.
The Bellissimo Casino Crime Capers (Short Stories)
Gretchen Archer has written two official short stories within the Davis Way universe, often referred to as the Bellissimo Casino Crime Capers. These are not required to understand the main novels, but they add delightful context and feature fan-favorite side characters. Double Jinx (Book 5.5) focuses on Davis navigating casino chaos, while Double Deck the Halls (Book 6.5) shifts the spotlight to Granny Dee during a wild senior slot tournament. Both stories received critical acclaim and nominations for the prestigious Agatha Awards.
What to Know Before You Start
Readers often describe the Davis Way series as Stephanie Plum meets Ocean's Eleven. The tone is consistently lighthearted, snarky, and filled with Southern wit. The primary setting, the Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, functions almost as a character itself, providing a glamorous and chaotic backdrop. While Davis Way is the star, the series is beloved for its supporting cast. Davis's eccentric best friend, Fantasy Erb, her partner Bradley Cole, and the legendary Granny Dee bring consistent humor and heart to every investigation.