How to Read the Moonstone Bay Cozy Mystery Series
If you are looking for a delightful blend of paranormal elements, laugh-out-loud humor, and cozy island mysteries, Amanda M. Lee’s Moonstone Bay Cozy Mystery series is the perfect escape. The series follows Hadley Hunter, a protagonist who discovers she is a witch after inheriting a haunted lighthouse from a grandmother she never knew existed on the mysterious Moonstone Bay Island.
To fully appreciate the character growth, Hadley's developing relationships, and the overarching mystery of the island, we highly recommend reading the books in publication order. Because the narrative arcs and relationships carry over from one book to the next, jumping in mid-series can leave you confused about the town's supernatural rules and Hadley's personal journey.
Moonstone Bay Cozy Mystery Books in Recommended Reading Order
Below is the complete reading order for the Moonstone Bay series, highlighting how the main series books and companion novellas line up:
- Witchin' USA (2018) – Start here. Hadley Hunter arrives on Moonstone Bay Island to claim her inherited lighthouse, only to discover she's a witch and that the lighthouse is haunted. When a body turns up, she must team up with Sheriff Galen Blackwood to clear her name.
- Witch Out of Water (2018) – Hadley continues to settle into her new life, but a decades-old feud resurfaces, bringing a fresh wave of magical trouble and murder to the island.
- Freaky Deaky Tiki (2018) – A ritualistic murder leads Hadley into the world of island cults. This book is notable for featuring a crossover with Aisling and Griffin Grimlock from Amanda M. Lee's Grimlock series.
- Cupid in Crisis (2019) – Often classified as Book 3.5, this novella centers on a cupid convention visiting the island, bringing romantic chaos and a suspicious string of suicides. Note: Some retail platforms and databases list this as Book 4.
- To Spell With It (2019) – Listed as Book 4 or 5 depending on the platform's treatment of Cupid in Crisis, Hadley faces a new set of magical challenges and another local murder to solve.
- Hex Type Thing (2020) – As Hadley's magical skills grow, she must navigate more quirky island lore and solve a crime that threatens the community.
- Brewing Up a Storm (2020) – Secrets about Moonstone Bay's history are revealed when a storm hits, bringing a dangerous mystery with it.
- Long, Hot, Witchy Summer (2021) – The summer heat brings odd occurrences and high tensions to the island, forcing Hadley and Galen to work overtime.
- Great Hexpectations (2021) – Hadley deals with high expectations and mounting paranormal troubles in this fast-paced installment.
- The Joy of Hex (2022) – Hadley investigates a fresh murder while managing her magical obligations and relationship.
- Witch is the Word (2022) – Strange happenings around the island point to an ancient magical threat that Hadley must decode.
- Beach Blanket Wendigo (2023) – The local legends come to life, adding a chilly supernatural twist to the sunny beaches.
- Bewitched and Bothered (2023) – Hadley has to deal with personal matters and a magical disturbance that bothers the entire island.
- Witching on the Job (2024) – Work and magic collide as Hadley balances her day-to-day responsibilities with solving a complex new mystery.
- All Witches on Deck (2024) – A water-bound adventure that brings the community together to face a common threat.
- Better Luck Hex Time (2025) – Hadley's sleuthing abilities are put to the test once again as she handles an intricate case.
- At Charm's Length (2025) – The 16th full-length novel continues Hadley's adventures with new threats and humor.
- From Fear to Eternity (2026) – The 17th book in the series, expanding the lore of the island and providing the latest chapter in Hadley's journey.
Understanding the Reading Order Caveats
While the reading order is mostly straightforward, there is a minor discrepancy regarding Cupid in Crisis. Some readers find this title listed as Book 4, which bumps all subsequent books up by one number in some directories. However, on Goodreads and the author's official website, Cupid in Crisis is generally treated as a companion novella (Book 3.5), making To Spell With It the official Book 4. To get the best narrative flow, read Cupid in Crisis immediately after Freaky Deaky Tiki and before To Spell With It.
Shared Universe Connections and Crossovers
Amanda M. Lee is well-known for writing interconnected series within a single, cohesive paranormal universe. Characters from her other books regularly make guest appearances. The most significant crossover in the Moonstone Bay series occurs in Freaky Deaky Tiki, where Hadley Hunter interacts directly with Aisling and Griffin Grimlock from the Aisling Grimlock series. The Grimlock characters are reapers, and their appearance is tied directly to the supernatural rules of death and spirits on Moonstone Bay Island.
Additionally, fans of Lee's Wicked Witches of the Midwest and Mystic Caravan series will find minor cameos, phone calls, and shared lore that enrich the overall reading experience, though it is not strictly necessary to read those other series to enjoy Moonstone Bay.
What to Know Before You Start
If you're jumping in, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Standalones vs. Continuity: Each book features a self-contained murder mystery that is resolved by the end. However, the relationships, the mysteries surrounding the haunted lighthouse, and Hadley's own magical progression are ongoing threads. Read them in order for the best experience.
- The Tone: The series leans heavily into snark, lighthearted romance, and humor. It is less about dark magical horror and more about the fun, chaotic nature of living in a magical community.
- Prolific Writing: Amanda M. Lee is a highly productive author who frequently writes under her own name and her pseudonym, Lily Harper Hart. Her quick release schedule means the Moonstone Bay series is large and still growing.