How to Read the Magic & Mixology Series
For the best reading experience, you should follow the Magic & Mixology series in its publication order. Because the books follow a continuous character arc for Lily Locke—her training as a potion-brewing Mixologist, her evolving relationship with the mysterious Ranger X, and the ongoing overarching mystery of the dark magic user known as the Puppeteer—reading them out of order will lead to major spoilers.
Magic & Mixology Recommended Reading Order
- Hex on the Beach (2016) – Introduces Lily Locke, her discovery of her magical heritage, and her move to the secret Lake Superior island.
- Witchy Sour (2016) – Lily faces a prison escapee and dark mind-control magic.
- Jinx and Tonic (2016) – Follows Lily as she tackles a criminal during the high-stakes Ranger Trials.
- Long Isle Iced Tea (2017) – A sudden curse starts making the magical islanders vanish.
- Amuletto Kiss (2018) – Lily investigates a magical artifact and a fresh island murder.
- Spelldriver (2019) – Focuses on high-speed magic chases and deeper secrets.
- Magic Julep (2021) – Lily deals with a mystery involving family history and island politics.
- Mermaid Mimosa (2021) – Lily faces underwater mysteries and the culmination of her long-running magical conflicts.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
In the case of Magic & Mixology, the publication order and the chronological order are identical. Gina LaManna wrote the series sequentially from 2016 to 2021, and each book directly picks up where the previous installment left off. There are no prequels or timeline-bending side novels that require altering the reading path.
Spin-Offs and the Shared Magical Universe
For readers who finish Lily Locke's main story and want to stay in the same world, Gina LaManna has written connected series set in the same paranormal universe:
Court of Isles Series
This is a direct fantasy spin-off series set in the same world. It deals with royal magical politics and deeper fantasy elements rather than purely cozy mysteries. The recommended reading order for this trilogy is:
- Cursed
- Crowned
- Claimed
The Hex Files (Mysteries from the Sixth Borough)
Another series set in the same magical universe, though focusing on a different cast of characters and a new urban setting. It is recommended to read these in order:
- Wicked Never Sleeps
- Wicked Long Nights
- Wicked State of Mind
- Wicked Moon Rising
- Wicked All The Way
- Wicked Twist of Fate
- Wicked Ever After
What to Know Before You Start
The Magic & Mixology series is a lighthearted, fast-paced paranormal cozy mystery series. The protagonist, Lily Locke, starts as an ordinary Minneapolis marketing professional and former coffee mixer who learns she is actually a witch inheriting the position of the Isle's Mixologist. The world features classic cozy mystery tropes: quirky side characters (including vampire cousins and eccentric grandmas), a slow-burn romance, and a strong focus on community. While the stakes involve murder and dark magic, the tone remains consistently breezy, humorous, and focused on relationships and magic-infused drinks.