How to Read the Larue Donavan Series
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Larue Donavan series in publication order. The books follow a continuous narrative arc detailing Larue's growing confidence in her psychic abilities, her evolving relationship with the local coffee shop owner Callahan Weiss, and the ongoing shenanigans of her ghostly entourage.
Because the overarching character development and romantic subplots build directly from one book to the next, jumping into the middle of the series will spoil key plot points from earlier installments. The holiday stories and novellas are best read at their designated publication points to avoid timeline confusion.
Larue Donavan Books in Publication Order
The series began in 2008 and saw a nearly decade-long hiatus before returning with a new holiday installment in 2024. Below is the complete listing of the books as they were released:
1. Me and My Ghoulfriends (2008)
The book that started it all introduces Larue Donavan, a reluctant psychic medium who runs a small bookstore in Magnolia, Kentucky. Larue is just trying to live a normal life, but she is constantly pestered by spirits who refuse to cross over. Things get complicated when Callahan Weiss moves next door to open a coffee shop, and a rival witch casts a love spell that threatens to ruin Larue's chances at romance.
2. Ghouls Night Out (2011)
In the second full-length novel, Larue's best friend Mindy finds herself targeted by a mysterious stranger. To protect those she loves, Larue must stop hiding from her supernatural gifts and fully embrace her latent witchy powers. The stakes are raised as she balances her day-to-day life with growing magical responsibilities.
3. The Ghoul Next Door (2012)
The paranormal activity reaches a boiling point when a ghost-hunting television show arrives in Magnolia. Larue is pulled into the production, only to discover a real demonic presence has been unleashed. Thankfully, she has the spirit of Elvis Presley backing her up in this fast-paced and humorous adventure.
4. Santa Stole My Ghoulfriend (2013)
This festive holiday novella is a lighter, standalone-style entry. Instead of her usual hectic ghost-hunting, Larue uses her unique talents to help a lost woman find her Christmas spirit. It serves as a cozy seasonal bridge between the third and fifth books.
5. Ghoul of My Dreams (2015)
Larue faces some of her most dangerous threats yet when shadowy entities and strange behaviors plague the town of Magnolia. Juggling her bookstore, her relationship with Callahan, and her medium duties, Larue has to solve the mystery before the spirits cause permanent damage to her life.
6. Hey, Ghoul, Will You Be My Valentine? (2024)
After a long hiatus, Rose Pressey returned to Magnolia for a Valentine's Day special. Larue is once again navigating the chaotic advice of famous ghosts like Mae West while trying to keep Callahan close and protect Mindy from a new, mysterious threat lurking in town.
Chronological vs. Publication Order: The Holiday Stories
For the most part, the chronological order of the series matches the publication order exactly. The only potential deviations are the holiday themed releases:
- Santa Stole My Ghoulfriend: Published in late 2013, this short story fits perfectly between the events of The Ghoul Next Door (Book 3) and Ghoul of My Dreams (Book 5).
- Hey, Ghoul, Will You Be My Valentine?: Published in 2024, this book continues Larue's journey well after the events of Ghoul of My Dreams and should be read last.
Because the holiday stories contain minor updates on Larue's personal relationships, reading them out of order won't ruin the main mysteries, but it will create minor continuity inconsistencies regarding her love life.
What to Know Before You Start
Rose Pressey's paranormal cozy mysteries are designed as lighthearted, breezy escapes. Here are a few key details to keep in mind before diving in:
- The Setting: Magnolia, Kentucky, is a fictional small town bursting with Southern charm, local gossip, and a surprisingly high concentration of supernatural events.
- The Ghostly Companions: One of the signature elements of the series is Larue's interactions with famous historical spirits. Expect comedic dating and life advice from the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Mae West, and Elvis Presley.
- Tone: The series leans heavily into the cozy side of paranormal mystery. While there are demons, witches, and spells, the focus remains on humor, romance, and friendship rather than dark, gritty horror.
- Author Pseudonyms: Rose Pressey occasionally publishes under the name Rose Betancourt, but the Larue Donavan series is published under her primary name.