How to Read the Ghost of Granny Apples Mysteries
The Ghost of Granny Apples Mysteries, written by Sue Ann Jaffarian, follows a linear progression of both mystery solving and character development. The core dynamic of the series relies on Emma Whitecastle, a divorced mother who discovers her psychic abilities, and her great-great-great-grandmother, Ish Reynolds (famously known as "Granny Apples"). Because the characters grow, form relationships, and accept their supernatural gifts over time, readers are highly encouraged to read the books in order of release.
The absolute best starting point is Ghost a la Mode (2009), which establishes the family history, Emma's awakening as a medium, and the background of Granny Apples, who was falsely accused of murdering her husband a century ago in the gold rush town of Julian, California.
Ghost of Granny Apples Mysteries Publication Order
The series consists of six full-length novels and five companion novellas or short stories. Reading them in publication order matches the chronological timeline perfectly:
- Ghost a la Mode (2009) – Novel #1. Emma meets Granny Apples and sets out to clear her ancestor's name.
- Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini (2011) – Novel #2. The duo travels to Catalina Island and gets entangled in 1960s Hollywood political secrets.
- Gem of a Ghost (2012) – Novel #3. Set in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, centering on a cursed diamond and mining history.
- The Silent Ghost (2013) – Novella #3.5. A digital-first story shifting the spotlight to Emma's college-aged daughter, Kelly Whitecastle.
- Dummy of a Ghost (2014) – Novella #4.5. Kelly Whitecastle helps a ventriloquist friend whose dummies are inhabited by protective spirits.
- Ghost of a Gamble (2014) – Novel #4. Emma and Granny Apples tackle a casino heist and historical spirits in Las Vegas.
- Ghost in the Guacamole (2015) – Novel #5. Emma investigates a family food business feud and a father's suspicious death.
- The Ghost of Mistletoe Mary (2015) – Novella #5.5. A grittier, Skid Row noir tale told from the perspective of Jeremiah Jones, a private investigator who can see spirits.
- The Ghosts of Misty Hollow (2016) – Novel #6. Emma and her partner Phil travel to a haunted Massachusetts farmhouse to assist a crime writer.
- Ghosts ‘n Graveyards (2020) – Novella #6.5. A Thanksgiving-themed short story set back in Julian's Pioneer Cemetery.
- The Ghost of Christmas Granny (2022) – Novella #7.5. A Christmas-themed tale where Emma helps a living child in danger.
Chronological Nuances and Order Caveats
While the chronological flow is exceptionally consistent, there are minor listing anomalies to watch out for. For example, Dummy of a Ghost was published in March 2014, slightly ahead of the fourth full novel, Ghost of a Gamble, which was released in April 2014. Despite its publication date, many chronological orders list it as "Book 4.5" because it focuses on Emma's daughter, Kelly, during her college spring break, acting as a bridge. Reading it either right before or right after Ghost of a Gamble does not disrupt the main narrative arc.
Furthermore, the companion novellas are excellent additions but are not strictly mandatory to follow Emma's main journey. However, they expand the lore of the family's mediumship. The Silent Ghost and Dummy of a Ghost establish Kelly's evolving acceptance of her psychic gift, while The Ghost of Mistletoe Mary introduces Jeremiah Jones, providing a fresh perspective on the ghostly rules of Jaffarian's universe.
What to Know Before You Start
Sue Ann Jaffarian's series stands out in the cozy mystery genre by blending classic amateur sleuthing with lighthearted paranormal elements and rich historical backdrops. Each book typically whisks readers to a new location steeped in real-world history, such as the California gold rush lore in Julian, Hollywood glamour on Catalina Island, or the Molly Maguires coal mining history in Pennsylvania. The tone remains warm and humorous, heavily driven by the bickering yet loving partnership between Emma and the blunt, slang-loving spirit of Granny Apples.