The Recommended Reading Order
For the best experience, readers should follow the Kelly Jackson Mystery series in its official publication order. Because the chronological timeline of the narrative matches the order in which the books were released, this path ensures a smooth progression. While each novel centers on a self-contained murder mystery that is fully resolved by the final page, the character relationships, local town dynamics, and recurring subplots develop sequentially from one installment to the next.
Beginning with the debut novel introduces you to Kelly's arrival in Redwood Cove, her first meetings with the local residents, and the formation of her alliance with the Silver Sentinels. Skipping ahead might leave you confused about how certain characters became friends or why specific subplots, such as ongoing property renovations, are taking place.
- Murder at Redwood Cove (2015)
- Murder at the Mansion (2016)
- Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table (2017)
- Murder at the Mushroom Festival (2018)
- Murder at the Marina (2019)
- Murder in the Wine Country (2020)
The Kelly Jackson Books in Detail
1. Murder at Redwood Cove (2015)
The series opens with Kelly Jackson arriving in the fictional, foggy town of Redwood Cove, Northern California, to take over as manager of the local Redwood Cove Bed and Breakfast. She is replacing Bob Phillips, the former manager who met a tragic end after falling from a steep seaside cliff. Kelly quickly suspects that Bob's death was far from accidental. To uncover the truth, she teams up with the Silver Sentinels—a group of active, retired local residents who have already begun their own investigation. The case unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of the town's annual Taste of Chocolate and Wine Festival, setting the stage for Kelly's future sleuthing adventures.
2. Murder at the Mansion (2016)
In the second installment, Kelly's home B&B is undergoing extensive renovations, leading her to temporarily manage Redwood Heights, an upscale sister property that is currently on the market. Her primary tasks include cataloging the estate's historical assets. However, Kelly finds herself dealing with a string of jewelry thefts from guest rooms, which escalates when a guest is found murdered inside a locked room on her very first day. With the town celebrating the annual Whale Frolic Festival, Kelly once again coordinates with the Silver Sentinels to track down a killer operating within the mansion walls.
3. Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table (2017)
The third book brings a complex mystery when a young woman named Summer approaches Kelly and the Silver Sentinels for help. This request pulls the team into an investigation involving a local fortune teller, leading to the discovery of two bodies and secrets connecting the town's past to its present. Inspired by real-world botanical garden wine events, the novel also introduces Princess, a retired hearing-assistance Chihuahua who quickly becomes a fan-favorite recurring animal companion in the series.
4. Murder at the Mushroom Festival (2018)
In this book, Kelly hosts a culinary cooking class as part of Redwood Cove's annual Mushroom Festival. While a group of foragers hunts for wild mushrooms on sacred Native American land, a local newspaper reporter is found shot dead. When a close friend is accused of the crime, Kelly and the Silver Sentinels must step in to clear their name. The investigation forces them to navigate intense mushroom-hunting rivalries, illegal logging operations, and the threat of poisoning.
5. Murder at the Marina (2019)
The stakes become personal in the fifth novel when Kelly discovers a blood-stained, jewel-encrusted Russian dagger hidden on a fishing boat belonging to Ivan and Rudy Doblinsky—two brothers who are key members of the Silver Sentinels. The antique weapon turns out to be a relic from the brothers' childhood in Russia. When a guest staying at Kelly's B&B is found murdered on that very boat during the town's Russian Heritage Festival, Kelly and her allies must dig into deep-seated rivalries among the festival organizers to find the real culprit and protect their friends.
6. Murder in the Wine Country (2020)
In the sixth installment, Kelly helps organize a charity conference to support struggling military veterans. The event features wine tastings and a culinary competition where chefs forage for wild ingredients. The peaceful gathering is disrupted by the poaching of rare, highly valued local succulents. When a winery consultant is murdered, Kelly and the Silver Sentinels must investigate whether the crime is linked to the plant poachers, a local wine merchant friend, or a deeper personal vendetta.
What to Know Before You Start
The Setting: Redwood Cove
The series is set in Redwood Cove, a fictional Northern California coastal town that author Janet Finsilver based heavily on the real-world community of Mendocino. Readers will enjoy the atmospheric details, from foggy coastal cliffs and redwood forests to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Each book aligns with a specific seasonal event or festival, such as the Taste of Chocolate and Wine Festival, the Whale Frolic Festival, or the Mushroom Festival, which adds a distinct cultural flavor to every mystery.
The Cast: Kelly and her Allies
Kelly Jackson is a relatable protagonist who spent her early years on a Wyoming ranch. This background gives her a practical, down-to-earth attitude and a deep love for animals. She is often accompanied by Fred, a loyal Golden Retriever, and other pets. The heart of the series lies in her partnership with the Silver Sentinels, an endearing group of retired residents who bring tech skills, humor, and local wisdom to every investigation. Their collaborative dynamic sets the books apart from standard lone-detective cozy mysteries.
Tone and Style
Finsilver writes classic cozy mysteries. The books emphasize community, friendship, and light suspense while avoiding graphic violence or explicit content. Fans of classic cozy television shows like Murder, She Wrote will find a similar comforting, puzzle-focused atmosphere here.
Practical Reading Advice
Because there are no spin-offs, short story collections, or co-authored guides, navigating the Kelly Jackson series is very straightforward. While the publisher or some online retail listings have occasionally swapped the titles or publication years in automated lists—sometimes confusing the order of Murder at the Mansion and the true debut, Murder at Redwood Cove—following the 1 to 6 order outlined above is the most accurate way to read the series. Although the author has historically expressed interest in continuing the series, no seventh book has been published since 2020, making this a complete six-book run for readers to enjoy.