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Exham on Sea Mysteries Books in Order

8 Books
2015 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order for Exham on Sea Mysteries

For the best reading experience, we highly recommend reading the Exham on Sea Mysteries in publication order. While each novel features a self-contained murder mystery that is fully resolved by the final page, the personal lives, romantic development, and community ties of the recurring characters evolve significantly from one book to the next. Reading the books chronologically as they were published allows you to enjoy Libby Forest and Max Ramshore's relationship arc, the growth of their baking businesses, and the antics of their beloved dogs, Bear and Shipley, without encountering major spoilers.

Exham on Sea Mysteries in Publication Order

Here is the complete checklist of the Exham on Sea Mysteries in their correct reading order:

  1. Murder at the Lighthouse (2015/2016) – The series opener introduces Libby Forest, a recently widowed woman who moves to the Somerset coast to rebuild her life as a baker. When a body is discovered at the foot of the local lighthouse, Libby is forced to clear her name with the help of a massive Carpathian sheepdog named Bear and an enigmatic retired investigator named Max.
  2. Murder on the Levels (2016) – Libby is settled in her new home, but when local cyclists are poisoned after eating her chocolate truffles, she must find the culprit before her reputation and livelihood are ruined.
  3. Murder on the Tor (2017) – Set against the mystical backdrop of Glastonbury Tor, Libby and Max look into the death of a man found on the historic hill, weaving local folklore and modern greed into a dark puzzle.
  4. Murder at the Cathedral (2017) – The sleuthing duo travels to the nearby cathedral city of Wells. When a body is discovered in the historic cathedral shadows, Libby and Max must navigate clerical politics and ancient secrets.
  5. Murder at the Bridge (2017) – When a body is found near a local bridge, small-town gossip reaches a fever pitch. Libby must look past the charming village facade to identify the killer hidden in plain sight.
  6. Murder at the Castle (2018) – Local history and modern grudges collide when a prominent citizen is found dead near a Somerset castle, dragging Libby and Max into a web of family rivalry.
  7. Murder at the Gorge (2020) – Set in the famous Cheddar Gorge, Libby and Max are faced with a series of sinister nursery rhymes targeting residents, culminating in a tense race to catch a clever murderer.
  8. Murder at the Abbey (2021) – The historic ruins of a Somerset abbey become a crime scene. Libby and Max unravel long-hidden family feuds and historical secrets to solve a modern homicide.
  9. Murder at the Palace (2026) – Also published as Murder at the Bishop's Palace. Now married, Libby and Max head to Wells for a house-warming party at Priory Manor, only to find themselves entangled in a fresh mystery when a guest is murdered.

Chronological Caveats and Character Progression

Because the internal timeline of the series aligns perfectly with the publication dates, there is no need to jump around the list. The central relationship between Libby and Max starts as a tentative partnership born of shared suspicion, develops into a deep friendship, grows into an engagement, and ultimately culminates in their marriage by the events of Murder at the Palace. Reading out of order will reveal these relationship milestones prematurely. Additionally, the roles of their animal companions—Bear, the Carpathian Sheepdog, and Shipley, the Springer Spaniel—grow and change over time, making the publication order the most rewarding path for animal lovers.

What to Know Before You Start

The Exham on Sea Mysteries are classic examples of contemporary British cozy crime. Here is what you should expect before diving in:

  • The Setting: Exham on Sea is a fictional Somerset town, but it is heavily inspired by real coastal locations like Burnham-on-Sea. The lighthouse featured in the first book is based on the famous nine-legged Victorian wooden lighthouse on the beach at Burnham-on-Sea.
  • The Tone: The mysteries are lighthearted and clean, focusing on deductive puzzles, local gossip, and personal resilience. You won't find graphic violence, gore, or explicit language here.
  • The Food: As a professional baker and chocolatier, Libby's kitchen creations play a recurring role in the stories. Be prepared to crave tea, cakes, and chocolate truffles while reading!
  • The Animals: Animal companions are central to the series' charm. Bear is a giant, protective Carpathian Sheepdog, and Shipley is a lively Springer Spaniel who frequently helps (or hinders) the investigations.

Other Series by Frances Evesham

If you finish the Exham on Sea books and want to read more of Frances Evesham's Somerset-based mysteries, you can explore her other works, which are completely independent and do not require any crossover reading:

The Ham Hill Murder Mysteries

This contemporary cozy mystery series is set in the fictional village of Lower Hembrow, located at the foot of Somerset's historic Ham Hill. The books follow a close-knit group of friends, including hotel owner Imogen, pub owner Adam, and a lovable stray dog named Harley. The books in this series include A Village Murder (2020), A Racing Murder (2021), and A Harvest Murder (2022).

The Thatcham Hall Mysteries

For readers who enjoy historical settings, this Victorian mystery-romance series is set in 19th-century England. It currently includes An Independent Woman (2014) and Danger at Thatcham Hall (2015).

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended reading order for the Exham on Sea Mysteries?

It is highly recommended to read the series in publication order, starting with Murder at the Lighthouse and ending with Murder at the Palace, to follow the natural progression of the characters' relationships and personal lives.

QWho are the main sleuths in the series?

The main sleuths are Libby Forest, a widowed baker and chocolatier who moves to Somerset to start over, and Max Ramshore, a retired investigator who becomes Libby's partner and eventual husband.

QWhat roles do the dogs play in the Exham on Sea books?

The dogs are key characters in the series. Libby owns Bear, a large and loyal Carpathian Sheepdog, while Max is accompanied by Shipley, a friendly Springer Spaniel. Both dogs regularly assist with investigations.

QIs Exham on Sea a real place?

No, Exham on Sea is a fictional town. However, it is based on real-life Somerset coastal towns, particularly Burnham-on-Sea, and features landmarks inspired by real places, such as Burnham's nine-legged wooden lighthouse.

QCan the Exham on Sea books be read as standalones?

While the murder mystery in each book is self-contained and resolved by the end, the overarching character growth and relationships span the entire series. It is best to read them in order to avoid spoilers.

QAre there other mystery series by Frances Evesham?

Yes. Frances Evesham has also written the Ham Hill Murder Mysteries (set in the fictional village of Lower Hembrow) and the Victorian-era historical series Thatcham Hall Mysteries.