Where to Start Reading the Hope Street Church Mysteries
For cozy mystery lovers seeking a gentle blend of faith, tight-knit community, and amateur sleuthing, the Hope Street Church Mysteries is a wonderful choice. The series follows Cooper Lee, a copier repair technician in Richmond, Virginia, whose mundane life changes when she joins the Sunrise Bible Study group at Hope Street Church. Together with her new, quirky companions, Cooper finds herself untangling puzzles, uncovering local secrets, and tracking down killers.
If you want to read this series, the best starting point is undoubtedly the first book, The Path of the Crooked (originally published as Stirring Up Strife). While each book features a self-contained murder mystery, the character relationships, romantic arcs, and personal growth of the characters progress continuously from one installment to the next. Reading them in order ensures you won't spoil major life events for Cooper and her family.
The Evolution of Hope Street: Title and Author Revisions
One of the most important things for new readers to understand is the publication history of this series. The Hope Street Church Mysteries were originally written by Jennifer Stanley. Under this name, the first three books were published between 2009 and 2010. However, the author later adopted the pseudonym Ellery Adams (under which she is a New York Times bestselling author) and decided to completely revise, polish, and republish the first three novels.
When these books were reissued in 2014 under the Ellery Adams pen name, they received new titles. To avoid buying duplicates, keep this title guide handy:
- Book 1: originally published as Stirring Up Strife (2009); revised and reissued as The Path of the Crooked (2014).
- Book 2: originally published as Path of the Wicked (2010); revised and reissued as The Way of the Wicked (2014).
- Book 3: originally published as The Way of the Guilty (2010); revised and reissued as The Graves of the Guilty (2014).
After the first three books, the series expanded through collaborations. Ellery Adams partnered with co-authors Elizabeth Lockard and later Tina Radcliffe to write the subsequent installments, keeping the series fresh and lively.
Hope Street Church Mysteries in Order
Here is the recommended reading order for the series, utilizing the revised titles that match current editions in print and e-book formats:
1. The Path of the Crooked (2014 / Originally "Stirring Up Strife" in 2009)
Reeling from a difficult breakup and stuck in a dead-end job, Cooper Lee reluctantly accepts an invitation from a friendly customer to join the Sunrise Bible Study group. But before Cooper can even attend her first meeting, the woman who invited her is murdered. Eager to clear an innocent suspect's name, Cooper and her new Bible study friends team up to find the true culprit, exposing financial fraud along the way.
2. The Way of the Wicked (2014 / Originally "Path of the Wicked" in 2010)
When the Sunrise Bible Study group volunteers for a local charity organization, they hope to do some good in the Richmond community. Instead, they stumble upon a body, and one of their own group members becomes the prime suspect. Cooper must dive back into sleuthing to protect her friends, testing both her investigative skills and her growing faith.
3. The Graves of the Guilty (2014 / Originally "The Way of the Guilty" in 2010)
The stakes become deeply personal when Cooper's sister, Ashley, becomes a prime suspect in a murder investigation. As Cooper races to uncover the truth, she must also navigate the complications it causes in her relationship with Nathan, a local detective. This installment solidifies Cooper's path as a dedicated amateur sleuth.
4. The Root of All Evil (2014)
Co-authored with Elizabeth Lockard, this book sees the Sunrise Bible Study group dealing with a rash of robberies at Hope Street Church. When a suspicious death occurs shortly after, Cooper and the group must determine if the theft and the death are connected, all while Cooper grapples with personal doubts about her life direction.
5. Fate of the Fallen (2016)
Also co-authored with Elizabeth Lockard, the fifth installment pits the group against a mystery surrounding a fallen community member. The story balances Richmond's local color with themes of forgiveness, redemption, and rebuilding trust within the neighborhood.
6. The Deeds of the Deceitful (2020)
Co-authored with Tina Radcliffe, this book takes Cooper and her Bible study companions out of their usual routine. The group plans a relaxing weekend getaway at a historic Richmond inn. The peace is shattered when one of the inn's co-owners is found murdered, and Cooper's own mother falls under suspicion. The group must work quickly to unmask the killer before the weekend ends.
7. Methods of Malice (2023)
Co-authored with Tina Radcliffe, this cozy mystery takes place during the holiday season. The Bible study group volunteers to help with a community theater production of the classic holiday play It's a Wonderful Life. When the assistant director is murdered, the group must navigate the backstage drama, eccentric suspects, and theatrical rivalries to identify the killer.
8. A Taste for Crime (2024)
In the eighth book, co-authored with Tina Radcliffe, the group tries to support a local celebrity chef whose career is threatened by a devastating review. The situation turns deadly when the harsh food critic is murdered right inside the restaurant. Cooper and her friends have to sift through the culinary world's secrets to find the poison pen turned literal killer.
What to Know Before You Start
The Hope Street Church Mysteries are classified as Christian cozy mysteries. However, readers of all backgrounds appreciate that the religious elements are integrated naturally. The characters' faith is shown through their daily lives, struggles, and community support rather than being preachy. Richmond, Virginia, serves as an active, atmospheric backdrop, and the focus is firmly on clean suspense, personal growth, and warm, authentic friendships.