The Recommended Garden Girls Reading Path
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Garden Girls Christian Cozy Mystery series in its publication order. Because the characters age, relationships develop, and recurring subplots carry over from book to book, following the series chronologically allows you to experience the full character arcs and changing dynamics within the town of Belhaven, Michigan.
The complete reading sequence is divided into three distinct phases: the original main series, the sequel series, and the sister-centric spin-off. Here is the recommended path:
- The Original Series (Books 1–23): Start with Who Murdered Mr. Malone? and follow Gloria Rutherford and her crew through their first 23 adventures.
- Garden Girls: The Golden Years (Books 1–5): Read this sequel series next, which follows the main characters as they enter their later golden years.
- Lack of Luxury Cozy Mysteries (Books 1–3): Read this spin-off series focusing on Gloria's sister, Liz, and the Garden Girls trying to adjust to farm life.
Phase 1: Publication Order of the Main Garden Girls Books
The main series establishes the Garden Girls Club, transitioning them from a local community service group helping shut-ins into Belhaven's primary amateur sleuthing squad. Follow this order to watch Gloria's family grow and witness her evolving relationship with the local police department:
- Who Murdered Mr. Malone? (2014)
- Grandkids Gone Wild (2015)
- Smoky Mountain Mystery (2015)
- Death by Dumplings (2015)
- Eye Spy (2015)
- Magnolia Mansion Mysteries (2015)
- Missing Milt (2015)
- Bully in the Burbs (2015)
- Fall Girl (2015)
- Home for the Holidays (2015)
- Sun, Sand, and Suspects (2016)
- Look Into My Ice (2016)
- Forget Me Knot (2016)
- Nightmare in Nantucket (2016)
- Greed with Envy (2017)
- Dying for Dollars (2017)
- Stranger Among Us (2017)
- Dash For Cash (2017)
- Arsonist and Lace (2018)
- Court of Corruption (2018)
- Framed in Florida (2018)
- Murder on Summer Lane (2019)
- Alien Allure (2020)
Phase 2: Garden Girls - The Golden Years Order
Following the conclusion of the main series, author Hope Callaghan launched The Golden Years. This direct sequel series features the same beloved characters embarking on new adventures as senior citizens. Read these after finishing the main 23 books:
- Double Date Disaster (2020)
- Christmas Crisis (2020)
- Michigan Mayhem (2021)
- Small Town Saboteurs (2021)
- Fatal Fundraiser (2021)
Phase 3: Lack of Luxury Spin-Off Order
The Lack of Luxury cozy mystery series is a fun spin-off that puts a spotlight on Gloria's sister, Liz. The premise—often described by fans as "Green Acres meets the Golden Girls"—sees the Garden Girls helping Liz manage a rundown farm. Read these books last:
- Seeds of Suspicion (2022)
- Tenant and Trouble (2022)
- Spy in the Sky (2024)
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the cozy town of Belhaven, it helps to understand the conventions and tone of the series:
- Clean and Wholesome: As a Christian cozy mystery series, the books contain no graphic violence, profanity, or explicit scenes. They focus on puzzle-solving, humor, and community.
- Subtle Faith Themes: Bible verses and Christian values are naturally integrated into the narratives, offering inspirational elements without feeling overly preachy.
- Fictional Setting: The stories are primarily set in Belhaven, Michigan, a charming small town that feels like a character of its own. However, the crew occasionally goes on road trips, such as to the Smoky Mountains or Florida.
- Recipes Included: Many of the books feature actual recipes at the back, allowing readers to recreate some of the delicious comfort foods the Garden Girls share during their meetings.