What is the best starting point for the Jessica Huntington series?

The best place to start is with the first novel, A Dead Husband (2013). This book introduces Jessica's background, her transition into detective work, and the core characters of the series.

Where does the prequel novella fit into the reading order?

The prequel novella, Love, A Foot Above the Ground, is chronologically Book 0.5 but was published third. It is best read after A Dead Sister so you already have a connection to the characters.

Can the Jessica Huntington books be read as standalones?

While each book features a self-contained murder mystery, the character relationships, subplots, and Jessica's personal growth develop continuously. Reading them in order is highly recommended.

Who are the members of the 'Cat Pack'?

The 'Cat Pack' is Jessica Huntington's tight-knit circle of loyal friends in Palm Springs who help her investigate crimes, offer emotional support, and add humor to the series.

Is the Jessica Huntington series still ongoing?

The most recent full-length novel, A Dead Surgeon, was published in 2021. No subsequent books have been released, making it a complete seven-novel and one-novella series for now.

Jessica Huntington Books in Order

How to Read the Jessica Huntington Series

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery series in publication order. While the series includes a prequel novella that details the backstory of a key supporting character, starting with the first full-length novel is the most satisfying way to watch Jessica transform from a heartbroken socialite into a formidable amateur sleuth. The character development, recurring relationships, and ongoing subplots build directly from one book to the next.

The Recommended Reading Path

If you want to experience the series the way it was originally introduced to readers, follow this recommended path:

A Dead Husband (2013) — Start here to meet Jessica, understand her background, and see her solve her very first case.
A Dead Sister (2014) — Dive deeper into the secrets of Palm Springs and the family history of the local detective force.
Love, A Foot Above the Ground (2014) — Read this prequel novella after Book 2 to explore the romantic backstory of Jessica's confidante, Bernadette.
A Dead Daughter (2015) — Follow Jessica to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as she investigates a troubled heiress.
A Dead Mother (2017) — Witness Jessica confronting her own personal history while solving a client's murder.
A Dead Cousin (2018) — Experience a high-stakes investigation when one of Jessica's closest police allies goes missing.
A Dead Nephew (2020) — Navigate the deadly hazards of the desert as Jessica tracks down a sinister threat.
A Dead Surgeon (2021) — Investigate a murder within the upscale medical community of the Desert Cities.

The Complete Jessica Huntington Book List

Here is the complete breakdown of every entry in the Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery series, detailing the plot and context for each case:

A Dead Husband (2013)

This is the novel that started it all. Following a painful divorce from a cheating husband and the stalling of her legal career, Stanford-educated lawyer Jessica Huntington returns to the Coachella Valley to rebuild her life. However, her retreat into the luxurious world of Rancho Mirage is cut short when the husband of her best friend is found murdered. Armed with her sharp intellect and a Black AMEX card, Jessica dives into the investigation, uncovering the dark underbelly of high society.

A Dead Sister (2014)

In this second installment, the focus shifts to a cold case that suddenly turns hot. Jessica is drawn into investigating the suspicious hit-and-run death of her high school friend, Kelly, who also happens to be the cousin of Detective Frank Fontana. As she peels back layers of decades-old secrets, Jessica finds herself target of a web of lies that stretches across the desert community.

Love, A Foot Above the Ground (2014)

Published shortly after the second novel, this prequel novella (often numbered as Book 0.5) is narrated by Jessica in the 1980s as she recounts a story told to her about Bernadette, her loyal sidekick and confidante. The narrative travels back to the 1960s to depict how Bernadette met the love of her life, Guillermo. While it contains no active murder investigation, it offers crucial emotional depth to Bernadette's character and the history of her chosen family.

A Dead Daughter (2015)

The action ramps up at the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Jessica is hired to look into the chaotic lifestyle of Libby Van Der Woert, a wealthy but troubled heiress. When the investigation leads to a suspicious death, Jessica must navigate the complex dynamics of privilege, greed, and family dysfunction in the desert heat.

A Dead Mother (2017)

This entry takes a deeply personal turn for Jessica. While trying to solve the murder of a new client, Jessica is forced to confront unresolved issues from her own past and her relationship with her mother. The book blends psychological depth with cozy mystery elements, highlighting how family secrets can have deadly consequences.

A Dead Cousin (2018)

When Detective Frank Fontana goes missing from his home, leaving his daughter hiding upstairs, Jessica and her friends launch a desperate search. A cryptic warning to "trust no one" complicates the case, raising questions about whether the detective is a victim or a cop on the run. Jessica must work alongside Detective Rikki Havens to uncover the truth and clear Frank's name.

A Dead Nephew (2020)

Jessica faces one of her most dangerous adversaries yet in a mystery involving a target known as "the Cleaner." The harsh desert environment plays a key role as Jessica and the "Cat Pack" work to untangle a complex conspiracy before it's too late.

A Dead Surgeon (2021)

The latest installment takes readers inside the high-stakes, affluent medical community of the Desert Cities. When a prominent surgeon is murdered, Jessica is called upon to find the killer among a pool of suspects who are experts at hiding their true intentions.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the most part, the chronological order of the mysteries aligns perfectly with the order of publication. The only notable exception is the novella Love, A Foot Above the Ground. Because it is set in the 1960s, it functions chronologically as a prequel (Book 0.5). However, reading it first is not recommended for newcomers. The frame narrative relies on the reader already knowing and loving Bernadette and Jessica from the first two novels. For this reason, the safest and most enjoyable path is to read the novella third, exactly where it fits in the publication timeline.

What to Know Before You Start

Anna Celeste Burke's series is widely celebrated for its unique blend of cozy mystery charm and psychological suspense. While cozy mysteries are typically lighthearted, the Jessica Huntington books do not shy away from serious themes such as betrayal, addiction, and greed. The glamorous setting of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage provides a stunning backdrop of wealth and luxury that contrasts sharply with the gritty crimes Jessica investigates. Readers who enjoy strong-willed female leads, close-knit friend groups (epitomized by Jessica's "Cat Pack"), and clever puzzle-solving will find themselves right at home.