How to Read the Ivy Morgan Mystery Series
If you love cozy mysteries with a heavy dose of magic, quirky small-town charm, and a slow-burn romance, Lily Harper Hart's Ivy Morgan Mystery series is a perfect fit. The series follows Ivy Morgan, a spirited witch who runs a local nursery, and Jack Harker, a detective with a complicated past, as they team up to solve paranormal crimes in the town of Shadow Lake, Michigan.
Because the overarching narrative relies heavily on the evolving relationship between Ivy and Jack, their personal growth, and the development of the town itself, readers are highly encouraged to follow the series in publication order. Reading out of order will spoil major milestone events, including character introductions, relationship shifts, and family dynamics.
Ivy Morgan Mystery Main Series in Publication Order
The core series spans 21 novels, beginning in 2015 and reaching its main story conclusion in 2021. Below is the list of the main novels in the order they were published:
- Wicked Days (2015) – The book that starts it all. Ivy Morgan and Detective Jack Harker meet and reluctantly team up to solve a murder involving ghostly elements.
- Wicked Dreams (2015) – Ivy's magical visions lead her and Jack into a dark, sinister plot threatening the peace of Shadow Lake.
- Wicked Times (2015) – Ivy and Jack face a vengeful spirit while navigating their growing personal chemistry.
- Wicked Places (2015) – A new case brings supernatural danger close to home as Ivy continues to learn the extent of her magical heritage.
- Wicked Warning (2016) – Strange occurrences and eerie threats test the boundaries of Ivy's magical powers and Jack's investigative skills.
- Wicked Fog (2016) – A mysterious fog rolls into Shadow Lake, bringing with it a deadly supernatural presence.
- Wicked Season (2016) – Season changes bring new paranormal activity and deeper stakes for the town's resident witch and detective.
- Wicked Winter (2017) – A chilling mystery surfaces during the cold winter months, demanding Ivy's unique talents to solve.
- Wicked Hearts (2017) – Romance and danger intertwine as Jack and Ivy's bond is tested by a new paranormal puzzle.
- Wicked Wishes (2017) – A case centering on magical desires and unintended consequences keeps the team on their toes.
- Wicked Whimsy (2018) – Playful but dangerous magic disrupts the town, forcing Ivy to act quickly.
- Wicked Haunts (2018) – Hauntings increase in intensity around Shadow Lake, leading to a high-stakes investigation.
- Wicked Delight (2019) – A seemingly lighthearted event turns dark when a supernatural threat targets local residents.
- Wicked Respite (2019) – Seeking a brief break from the chaos, Ivy and Jack are instead pulled into another complex mystery.
- Wicked Decisions (2019) – Difficult choices lie ahead for the couple as they balance their professional duties and personal lives.
- Wicked Reunion (2020) – Old faces return to Shadow Lake, bringing past secrets and immediate dangers along with them.
- Wicked Games (2020) – A manipulative supernatural entity plays mind games with Ivy and the police department.
- Wicked Wedding (2020) – A major milestone for the series, featuring Ivy and Jack's wedding amidst ongoing paranormal complications.
- Wicked Honeymoon (2021) – The newlyweds attempt to enjoy their honeymoon, but mysteries have a way of following them.
- Wicked Whispers (2021) – Rumors and magical whispers point to a new threat lurking in the shadows of the town.
- Wicked Forever (2021) – The grand finale of the core series, wrapping up Ivy and Jack's primary narrative arc.
The Shared Universe: Crossovers & Spin-offs
One of the most exciting aspects of Lily Harper Hart's work is her interconnected cozy mystery universe. Ivy Morgan frequently crosses paths with characters from the author's other popular series. To get the complete picture of the universe, you should insert these crossover books into your reading schedule:
- Wicked Ghosts (2018) – A crossover with the Harper Harlow Mystery series. This novel brings ghost hunter Harper Harlow and Jared Monroe to Northern Michigan, where they run into Ivy Morgan and Jack Harker. It is best read after Wicked Whimsy (Book 11).
- Wicked Seas (2018) – A crossover with the Rowan Gray Mystery series. Ivy and Jack take a cruise vacation on the Bounding Storm and meet psychic photographer Rowan Gray, only to find themselves investigating a high-profile murder. This fits chronologically in the 2018 release window, around Book 12.
- Fiends in Low Places (2021) – A crossover with the Hannah Hickok Witchy Mystery series. This book takes the characters to Casper Creek, a cosplay western town. It is best read after the conclusion of the main series (Book 21, Wicked Forever).
- Wicked Graves (2022) – A crossover with the Maddie Graves Mystery series (often referred to as Book 21.5). Maddie Graves-Winters travels to Shadow Lake to buy a crib and gets caught up in a hit-and-run investigation alongside Ivy Morgan-Harker. This book serves as a post-series treat for fans.
What to Know Before You Start
First-time readers should keep in mind that the paranormal elements are light, whimsical, and cozy rather than dark or gory. The primary focus remains on the chemistry between Ivy and Jack, their domestic life, and the supportive community of Shadow Lake. If you are planning to read the crossover books, reading the first few books of the Harper Harlow, Rowan Gray, or Maddie Graves series beforehand will help you appreciate the character dynamics much more, though it is not strictly necessary to understand the plots.
Additionally, note that there is a completely unrelated, darker paranormal series called the Wicked Trilogy by Jennifer L. Armentrout (featuring books like Wicked, Torn, and Brave) which also has a main character named Ivy Morgan. Cozy mystery fans should make sure they are picking up the series by Lily Harper Hart to get the lighthearted, magical mystery experience of Shadow Lake.