Step into the charming yet suspenseful world of the Haggerty Mystery series, where small-town secrets, Southern hospitality, and heart-pounding intrigue collide! Crafted by Betsy Brannon Green, this beloved series blends romance, mystery, and a touch of LDS-inspired faith, set in the fictional town of Haggerty, Georgia. With quirky characters like Miss Eugenia and plots that keep you guessing, it’s the perfect escape for fans of cozy suspense with a heartfelt twist.
From witness protection dramas to unsolved murders, each book delivers a fresh adventure wrapped in the warmth of a tight-knit community. Whether you’re drawn to romance or crave a good whodunit, Haggerty Mystery offers a delightful mix that’s hard to resist. Let’s explore how this series came to be, its captivating stories, and why it’s won the hearts of readers.
How Haggerty Mystery Began
Betsy Brannon Green, born in Salt Lake City but raised in the American South, drew inspiration from her grandparents’ hometown of Headland, Alabama, to create the fictional Haggerty, Georgia. A lifelong storyteller, Green began writing seriously in 1999, and after an initial rejection, her second manuscript, Hearts in Hiding, launched the Haggerty Mystery series in 2001 with Covenant Communications. Her goal? To craft stories that make readers laugh, cry, and stay up past bedtime, all while weaving in Southern charm and suspense.
Green’s LDS faith subtly shapes the series, but its universal themes of love, redemption, and justice resonate with readers of all backgrounds. Her vivid imagination and knack for relatable characters turned Haggerty into a beloved literary destination, with each book building on the town’s quirky, endearing community.
The Heart of Haggerty Mystery
The series, spanning eight main books and a Christmas novella, kicks off with Hearts in Hiding (2001). Kate Singleton, a pregnant widow, flees danger under witness protection, finding refuge in Haggerty with a new identity—and a new husband. The story blends high-stakes suspense with romance, setting the tone for the series. Until Proven Guilty (2002) follows Beth Middleton, who, after losing her fiancé, takes a job evaluating a custody case, only to stumble into a dangerous trial filled with kidnappings and threats.
Above Suspicion (2003) shifts to Mary Grace O’Malley, a bed-and-breakfast owner in Bethany Beach, who teams up with a reporter to solve a decades-old murder—until a new crime disrupts her guests’ vacation. Later, Backtrack (2007) explores four high school friends whose mountain retreat turns deadly, with Miss Eugenia’s feisty antics stealing the show. Themes of identity, trust, and community shine through, wrapped in Green’s signature mix of humor, romance, and Southern traditions like gossip and recipes.
Haggerty, loosely based on Headland, Alabama, feels like a character itself. Its small-town vibe, steeped in faith and hospitality, grounds the series’ twists and turns. Green’s plots are accessible yet unpredictable, making each book a cozy yet thrilling read for fans of LDS fiction or clean mysteries.
Why Haggerty Mystery Resonates
The Haggerty Mystery series has carved a niche in the LDS fiction world, earning praise for its clean yet gripping storytelling. Fans adore the recurring “Haggerty ladies,” like the fiery Miss Eugenia, whose humor and heart add warmth to every tale. Green’s ability to balance suspense with romance and faith has built a loyal readership, with some calling her their favorite author for her engaging, relatable characters.
Though not a mainstream blockbuster, the series’ impact lies in its niche appeal. It offers a wholesome alternative to gritty thrillers, proving that clean fiction can still pack a punch. Green’s 2010 Whitney Award nomination for Murder by the Book underscores her influence in inspirational suspense, and her recipes at the end of each book add a delightful Southern touch.
- Publication Years: 2001–2015
- Number of Books: 8 main novels, 1 novella
- Setting: Haggerty, Georgia
- Genre: Mystery, romance, LDS fiction
Ready to unravel the secrets of Haggerty? Grab Hearts in Hiding and dive into a world of suspense, Southern charm, and unforgettable characters!