The Recommended Reading Order for the Kate Killoy Mysteries
To fully appreciate the character growth, romantic progression, and the introduction of new canine partners, the Kate Killoy Mystery series is best read in its narrative chronological order. Although some online databases contain a metadata error listing A Diary as published in 2010, the book actually takes place later in the series timeline. Reading the books in order allows you to follow Kate and Harry's relationship from their first meeting through to their marriage and family life.
- Fashion Goes to the Dogs (2015) – The series debut introduces boutique dog-themed knitwear designer Kate Killoy and former FBI agent Harry Foyle at a New York City dog show, where they must solve a case of mistaken identity and international espionage with the help of Kate's Samoyed, Dillon.
- Puppy Pursuit (2016) – While transporting a Samoyed puppy cross-country, Kate and Harry find themselves targeted by high-tech cyber-thieves.
- National Security (2017) – Set against the backdrop of the Samoyed National specialty show, this installment sees Kate teaming up with a retired Russian spy to solve the murder of a close friend.
- Search (2019) – Focuses on wilderness tracking and search-and-rescue training, highlighting the intelligence and utility of the Samoyed breed in the wild.
- North Country Honeymoon (2019) – Newlyweds Kate and Harry escape to a snowy vacation home in the Adirondacks (Lake George) only to find dead bodies, missing treasures, and plenty of trouble.
- Guard Kate (2020) – While waiting for the delivery of a modular house, Kate gets caught up in military intrigue following the murder of family friend Bill Salverson.
- A Diary (2021) – A pregnant Kate hopes for a quiet time at home, but crime makes a house call, forcing her and her dogs to defend their home.
- Cold Case (2023) – Restricted by the late stages of her pregnancy, Kate stays busy by cleaning out a closet, where she uncovers a decades-old mystery file belonging to her grandfather.
- Vanished (2023) – The ninth novel continuing the adventures of Kate, Harry, and their increasingly busy family and canine pack.
Chronological Continuity and the "A Diary" Date Discrepancy
When searching for the books online, you might notice that some databases list A Diary with a publication date of 2010, placing it first chronologically. This is a metadata error. Within the story, Kate is pregnant in both A Diary and Cold Case, which directly follows her wedding and honeymoon in North Country Honeymoon (Book 5) and the events of Guard Kate (Book 6). If you read A Diary first, you will encounter major spoilers regarding Kate and Harry's relationship status and the expansion of their Samoyed pack. For the best reading experience, treat A Diary as Book 7.
The Core Characters and Canine Stars
The human heart of the series belongs to Kate Killoy and Harry Foyle. Kate is a smart, independent protagonist who mirrors the author's real-life interests in knitwear design and dog training. Harry Foyle, a former FBI agent, provides a grounded, professional contrast to Kate's intuitive sleuthing. However, the real stars for many readers are the Samoyeds—Dillon, Liam, Quinn, and others. The dogs are not merely background pets; they are active participants in the mysteries, using their training in obedience, tracking, and agility to assist in solving crimes and protecting their handlers.
What to Know Before You Start
Peggy Gaffney brings over fifty years of personal experience breeding, training, and exhibiting Champion Samoyeds to the series. Because of this, the books feature exceptionally accurate details about the dog show circuit, canine behavior, and various training disciplines. The tone of the series is wholesome and suspenseful, often described as "cozy romantic suspense." While there are murders and high-stakes plots (including espionage and cyber-crime), the books avoid graphic violence and explicit content, making them a great fit for fans of clean mysteries and animal lovers alike.