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series Reading Order

High heels Mysteries Books in Order

21 Books
3 Reading orders
2006 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order for the High Heels Mysteries

If you want to experience Maddie Springer's transition from a shoe-obsessed L.A. designer to a sharp amateur sleuth, you should follow the chronological order of the series. While each book features a self-contained murder mystery, Maddie's personal life, her career, and her slow-burn romance with LAPD Detective Jack Ramirez develop significantly across the books. Reading out of order will lead to major spoilers regarding her relationships and family dynamics.

The Core Maddie Springer Novels in Order

To follow the main story arc, read the full-length novels in this sequence:

  1. Spying in High Heels (2006) – Maddie's boyfriend disappears along with millions of dollars, leading her straight into a murder investigation and her first run-in with Detective Jack Ramirez.
  2. Killer in High Heels (Originally 2007) – Maddie travels to Las Vegas to find her missing father, uncovering a web of drag queens, counterfeit fashion, and murder.
  3. Undercover in High Heels (2007) – Maddie goes undercover on a Hollywood movie set to clear her best friend Dana's name.
  4. Alibi in High Heels (2008) – When a top fashion stylist is murdered, Maddie's ex-boyfriend is the prime suspect, forcing her back into action.
  5. Mayhem in High Heels (2008) – Wedding planning takes a deadly turn when Maddie's wedding coordinator is found murdered in buttercream frosting.
  6. Fearless in High Heels (2011) – Maddie gets a reality TV deal, but the cameras capture more than just fashion when a producer is murdered.
  7. Danger in High Heels (2012) – A romantic getaway in Hawaii turns into a rescue mission when Jack's partner is kidnapped.
  8. Homicide in High Heels (2014) – Maddie returns to L.A. only to find herself investigating a death in the high-stakes world of fashion PR.
  9. Deadly in High Heels (2015) – A mystery surrounding a Hollywood icon drags Maddie into the city's glamorous and dangerous past.
  10. Suspect in High Heels (2019) – Maddie must clear her own mother's name when she becomes the lead suspect in a high-profile homicide.
  11. Peril in High Heels (2020) – An old flame reappears, bringing danger and a fresh murder case right to Maddie's doorstep.
  12. Jeopardy in High Heels (2020) – Maddie is caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse when a client at her new shoe boutique is targeted.
  13. Deceit in High Heels (2021) – Maddie faces her most personal case yet, balancing family life with a twisty investigation that threatens those closest to her.

The Chronological Placement of Novellas and Short Stories

Gemma Halliday has written several shorter works that flesh out Maddie's adventures during holidays and transitions between the main books. For the complete experience, slot them into your reading list at these precise moments:

  • Christmas in High Heels (Book 3.5) – Read between Undercover in High Heels and Alibi in High Heels.
  • A High Heels Haunting (Book 4.5) – Also published as Haunted or So I Dated an Axe Murderer. Read between Alibi in High Heels and Mayhem in High Heels.
  • Honeymoon in High Heels (Book 5.5) – Read immediately after the wedding drama in Mayhem in High Heels.
  • Sweetheart in High Heels (Book 5.75) – Read between the Honeymoon novella and Fearless in High Heels.

What to Know Before You Start

The High Heels Mysteries are best described as a hybrid of cozy mysteries and chick lit. Fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series will feel right at home with the fast-paced humor, quirky sidekicks (including Maddie's flamboyant assistant Marco and her trigger-happy best friend Dana), and romantic tension. The books maintain a PG-13 rating, offering solid mystery plots and romantic sparks without graphic violence or explicit content.

A common point of confusion for new readers is the placement of Killer in High Heels. In some retailer catalogs and digital databases, this book is listed with a 2012 publication date and placed sixth in the series, after Fearless in High Heels. This discrepancy occurred during the author's transition from traditional publishing (Dorchester Publishing) to independent self-publishing, which led to some books being re-released out of sequence. Chronologically, Killer in High Heels was published in 2007 and takes place second. Reading it sixth will disrupt the timeline and spoil major developments in Maddie and Jack's relationship.

Box Sets and Short Story Collections

If you prefer purchasing books in bundles, several collections compile the series:

  • High Heels Shorts (2012) – A collection gathering the early novellas and short stories.
  • High Heels Mysteries Boxed Sets (Vols. I–IV) – These digital box sets compile the novels in groups of three to four, making it easy to binge Maddie's adventures in order.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the correct order to read the High Heels Mysteries?

You should read the series in chronological order, starting with Spying in High Heels, followed by Killer in High Heels and Undercover in High Heels. Reading in this order prevents spoilers for the long-running romance and character arcs.

QWhy is Killer in High Heels sometimes listed as Book 6?

The confusion stems from a self-publishing transition in 2012 when Gemma Halliday regained the rights to her earlier books. Some online retailers list the 2012 reissue date for Killer in High Heels rather than its original 2007 release, but it is chronologically Book 2.

QCan the High Heels Mysteries books be read as standalones?

While the murder mystery in each book is resolved by the final page, the personal lives, careers, and relationship status of Maddie Springer and Jack Ramirez evolve continuously. It is highly recommended to read them in order.

QAre the High Heels Mysteries clean reads?

Yes, the series fits comfortably in the cozy mystery genre. It features a PG-13 level of content, focusing on humor, style, and sleuthing without graphic gore or explicit bedroom scenes.

QWho is the main love interest in the High Heels Mysteries?

Maddie Springer's primary love interest is the handsome and serious LAPD Detective Jack Ramirez, who frequently warns her to stay away from active crime scenes—advice she inevitably ignores.

QAre there any spin-offs or crossovers?

While Gemma Halliday has written other series like the Wine & Dine Mysteries, there are no official crossovers or spin-off series featuring Maddie Springer. However, the main series contains 13 novels and multiple holiday novellas to keep readers busy.