Books On Board

Libby Sarjeant Mysteries Books in Order

  • 29 Books
  • 2006 – 2018 Published

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Reading order
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Where to Start Reading the Libby Sarjeant Mysteries

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to start this long-running British cozy mystery series from the very beginning with Murder in Steeple Martin (2006). Author Lesley Cookman constructed a rich, evolving universe where the characters grow, form long-term relationships, move houses, marry, and age. Jumping in midway through will spoil major subplots, especially concerning Libby’s relationship with her partner Ben, and Fran Castle's evolving life and psychic talents. The series relies heavily on its close-knit community of characters, and seeing this network of friendships build is just as satisfying as solving the whodunits themselves.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the Libby Sarjeant series, chronological order closely mirrors publication order. However, confusion often arises when readers compare lists due to the presence of short stories and novellas. The publisher’s official novel numbering lists Murder Under the Cliff (2025) as Book 27. However, when counting the three standalone holiday novellas and the collection that aggregates them, the chronological checklist spans 31 distinct releases. To avoid missing any of the character progression, readers should read both the full-length novels and the shorter holiday stories in the order they were published.

The Complete Libby Sarjeant Reading Order

Here is the complete chronological sequence of Libby Sarjeant's adventures, including all novels, holiday novellas, and collections:

  1. Murder in Steeple Martin (2006)
  2. Murder at the Laurels (2007)
  3. Murder in Midwinter (2008)
  4. Murder by the Sea (2008)
  5. Murder in Bloom (2010)
  6. Murder In The Green (2010)
  7. Murder Imperfect (2011)
  8. Murder to Music (2011)
  9. Murder at the Manor (2011)
  10. Murder by Magic (2012)
  11. Murder in the Monastery (2012)
  12. Murder in the Dark (2013)
  13. Murder in a Different Place (2014)
  14. Murder Out of Tune (2014)
  15. Murder at Mallowan Manor (2015) (Novella, also featured in the Murder Most Merry collection)
  16. Murder in the Blood (2015)
  17. Murder Dancing (2016)
  18. Murder on the Run (2016)
  19. Murder Most Fowl (2017) (Novella, also featured in the Murder Most Merry collection)
  20. Murder and The Pantomime Cat (2018) (Novella, also featured in the Murder Most Merry collection)
  21. Murder by the Barrel (2019)
  22. Murder and the Glovemaker's Son (2019)
  23. Murder Repeated (2019)
  24. Murder on the Edge (2020)
  25. Murder After Midnight (2021)
  26. Murder Most Merry (2021) (Christmas collection compiling the three novellas: Murder at Mallowan Manor, Murder Most Fowl, and Murder and the Pantomime Cat)
  27. Murder by Mistake (2022)
  28. Murder in Autumn (2023)
  29. Murder by Christmas (2023)
  30. Murder at the Crooked Horse (2024)
  31. Murder Under the Cliff (2025)

Spin-offs, Co-authored Works, and Related Series

While there are no direct spin-off series featuring characters from Steeple Martin, readers of Lesley Cookman can explore these closely related works in her literary universe:

  • The Alexandrians Series: Set in the same geographical region of Kent (primarily in the seaside town of Nethergate), this Edwardian historical mystery series follows Dorinda Castle, who manages a theatrical concert party. It features three books: Death Plays a Part, Entertaining Death, and Death Treads the Boards.
  • The Singer in the Snow (2016): A unique musical-mystery collaboration between Lesley Cookman and her son Miles Cookman (a professional musician). It introduces the characters Sheena and The Coldharbours. Miles Cookman also frequently contributed plot ideas and details to the main Libby Sarjeant series.
  • Anthology & Editorial Projects: Cookman contributed the novella A Body at Satis House to a collaborative historical fiction project and edited the Sexy Shorts anthology to support breast cancer charity.

What to Know Before You Start

The Libby Sarjeant series is categorized as cozy crime, but it stands out from its counterparts by weaving in light supernatural themes—primarily through Fran Castle’s psychic insights and local Kent folklore. Lesley Cookman drew heavily on her personal background as a former actress, playwright, and pantomime writer, which shows in the dialogue-driven narrative and theatrical themes that reappear throughout the books. Sadly, Lesley Cookman passed away in early 2025, making Murder Under the Cliff (2025) the final entry in this beloved 31-part series.

Frequently Asked

Can the Libby Sarjeant books be read as standalones?

While each book features a self-contained whodunit, it is highly recommended to read them in order. The recurring characters, their romantic partnerships, friendships, and life changes progress significantly across the series.

Where is the Libby Sarjeant series set?

The books are set in the fictional village of Steeple Martin in Kent, England. The charming setting is filled with hop gardens, converted oast houses, historic pubs, and local theaters, heavily inspired by real Kentish villages.

Who is the main partner assisting Libby Sarjeant?

Libby is assisted by her close friend Fran Castle (sometimes referred to as Fran Wolfe), who brings a level-headed contrast to Libby's theatrical nature, along with helpful psychic hunches.

What is the final book in the Libby Sarjeant series?

The final book in the series is Murder Under the Cliff, published in June 2025, following the author's passing earlier that year.

Are there any related series by Lesley Cookman?

Yes, Cookman wrote The Alexandrians, a three-book Edwardian historical mystery series set in Nethergate, Kent, as well as the collaborative mystery novella The Singer in the Snow, written with her son Miles Cookman.