The Recommended Reading Path
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Josiah Reynolds Mystery series in publication order. While each book presents a self-contained whodunit mystery that can theoretically be enjoyed as a standalone, the overarching character arcs, family dynamics, and personal growth of Josiah and her supporting cast develop significantly from one book to the next. Reading them chronologically by release allows you to follow Josiah's journey from a broke, grieving divorcee suspect in a murder investigation to a confident, seasoned amateur investigator.
Key subplots, such as Josiah's complex relationship with her daughter Asa, her business ventures at the local farmers' markets, the introduction of her quirky friend Lady Elsmere, and the antics of her massive English Mastiff, Baby, build continuously across the books. Starting at the beginning ensures you won't encounter spoilers regarding who survives, who gets married, or how Josiah's living situation at her iconic home, The Butterfly, evolves.
Josiah Reynolds Mysteries in Publication Order
Abigail Keam has kept up a steady release schedule since debuting the series in 2010. Below is the complete list of the main novels in the series, following the official publication timeline:
- Death by a HoneyBee (2010) – Josiah becomes the prime suspect when her nemesis is found dead in her beeyard.
- Death by Drowning (2011) – Josiah investigates a drowning that turns out to be anything but accidental.
- Death by Bridle (2012) – The murder of a horse trainer drags Josiah into the elite and deceptive world of Thoroughbred breeding.
- Death by Bourbon (2012) – A high-society engagement party turns deadly when the guest of honor is poisoned with Kentucky bourbon.
- Death by Lotto (2013) – A lottery winner is murdered, leading Josiah through a trail of greed and family secrets.
- Death by Chocolate (2013) – A charity event turns bitter when a local baker is poisoned by a chocolate treat.
- Death by Haunting (2014) – Josiah tackles a historical mystery with supernatural overtones in a historic Kentucky home.
- Death by Derby (2015) – Set during the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, Josiah must solve a murder before the big race.
- Death by Design (2016) – An interior designer is found dead, exposing a web of blackmail among local elites.
- Death by Malice (2017) – A neighborly dispute turns fatal, forcing Josiah to separate petty grievances from cold-blooded murder.
- Death by Drama (2018) – The local community theater becomes a crime scene when a lead actor is killed mid-performance.
- Death by Stalking (2019) – Josiah and her daughter Asa team up to investigate antique fraud and a dangerous stalker.
- Death by Deceit (2019) – A complex web of lies unravels when a local businessman's body is discovered in the woods.
- Death by Magic (2020) – A traveling magician's illusion goes horribly wrong, leading Josiah to look behind the curtain for a killer.
- Death by Shock (2021) – An apparent electrical accident at a horse farm is revealed to be a meticulously planned homicide.
- Death By Chance (2021) – A high-stakes poker game ends in a deadly showdown, placing Josiah in the line of fire.
- Death By Poison (2022) – Josiah must use her knowledge of natural toxins to track down a poisoner operating in Lexington.
- Death By Greed (2023) – A dispute over a wealthy estate culminates in murder, pulling Josiah into a family's dark history.
- Death By Theft (2023) – The theft of rare historical artifacts leads to a deadly trail that Josiah must follow.
- Death By Betrayal (2024) – Old loyalties are tested and broken when a close acquaintance is accused of a shocking crime.
- Death By Trauma (2025) – Josiah's skills are pushed to the limit as she untangles a crime scene with deep psychological roots.
Chronological Order and Continuity Caveats
Fortunately for readers, the internal chronological timeline of the series aligns perfectly with the publication order. There are no prequel novels, flashback novellas, or split timelines to navigate. The stories take place in a linear, modern-day setting, with Josiah aging realistically and the seasons passing naturally in the Bluegrass region. The only minor caveat is that the fast-paced nature of the mysteries means some books occur only weeks or months apart in-universe, so reading them out of order can occasionally make the sudden shifts in Josiah’s personal life feel jarring.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Josiah's world, it helps to understand the unique elements that define the series. The setting itself is a major character. Abigail Keam paints a vivid picture of the Kentucky Bluegrass region—from the rolling hills of Thoroughbred horse farms and historic antebellum mansions to the rich culture surrounding local bourbon distilleries. The cozy, small-town atmosphere is balanced by a sharp, witty, and often sarcastic tone, largely driven by Josiah’s voice. Josiah is not your typical bubbly cozy mystery protagonist; she is a retired art history professor who speaks her mind, struggles with finances, and faces the challenges of aging with grit and humor.
Additionally, beekeeping plays a central role. Keam, an award-winning master beekeeper in real life, infuses the books with authentic details about hive management, honey production, and environmental conservation. These tidbits are seamlessly woven into the plots, adding a fascinating layer of realism that sets the series apart from other cozy mysteries.
Spin-Offs and Companion Works
While Abigail Keam has written other popular series, such as the Mona Moon Mystery series, they are entirely separate from Josiah's world. The Mona Moon books are historical cozy mysteries set during the 1930s Great Depression. Although both series share the author's love for Kentucky settings and horse farms, there are no crossover events or shared characters due to the different time periods. Readers looking for more of Keam's signature style can easily jump into Mona Moon's adventures without worrying about order overlaps or missing plot points from Josiah Reynolds.