Books On Board
series Reading Order

Mrs. Murphy Books in Order

33 Books
1990 – 2012 Published
Jump to reading order
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best experience, readers should follow the Mrs. Murphy series in publication order. While each novel features a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the final page, the overarching lives, careers, and relationships of the human characters—especially Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen—evolve significantly over time. Reading out of order will spoil major life changes, including Harry's romantic relationships, career transitions at the post office, and the introduction of new animal companions.

The Evolution of the Series: Cozy Mysteries Meet Historical Fiction

What started as a classic contemporary cozy mystery series took a unique narrative turn in the mid-2010s. Starting around Tail Gait (2015) and continuing through books like Tall Tail (2016) and subsequent releases, Rita Mae Brown introduced a dual-narrative structure. In these later novels, the plot alternates between modern-day Crozet, Virginia, and historical flashbacks set in the late 18th century, shortly after the Revolutionary War. These historical sections explore regional history and provide parallels to the modern crimes, adding a layer of depth for history buffs while keeping the core pet-sleuthing dynamic intact.

The Role of Sneaky Pie Brown

Every book in the series is co-authored by "Sneaky Pie Brown," Rita Mae Brown's real-life tiger cat. While Rita Mae handles the typing, Sneaky Pie is credited with providing the feline perspective, ensuring the dialogue and behavior of Mrs. Murphy and the gray cat Pewter remain authentically feline. Some editions even feature playful introductory notes or columns written directly from the desk of Sneaky Pie.

Complete List of Mrs. Murphy Books in Order

Here is the chronological publication list of all 33 books in the Mrs. Murphy series, spanning from their debut in 1990 to the latest release:

  1. Wish You Were Here (1990)
  2. Rest in Pieces (1992)
  3. Murder at Monticello (1994)
  4. Pay Dirt (1995)
  5. Murder, She Meowed (1996)
  6. Murder on the Prowl (1998)
  7. Cat on the Scent (1999)
  8. Pawing Through the Past (2000)
  9. Claws and Effect (2001)
  10. Catch as Cat Can (2002)
  11. The Tail of the Tip-Off (2003)
  12. Whisker of Evil (2004)
  13. Cat's Eyewitness (2005)
  14. Sour Puss (2006)
  15. Puss 'n Cahoots (2007)
  16. The Purrfect Murder (2008)
  17. Santa Clawed (2008)
  18. Cat of the Century (2010)
  19. Hiss of Death (2011)
  20. The Big Cat Nap (2012)
  21. Sneaky Pie for President (2012)
  22. The Litter of the Law (2013)
  23. Nine Lives to Die (2014)
  24. Tail Gait (2015)
  25. Tall Tail (2016)
  26. A Hiss Before Dying (2018)
  27. Probable Claws (2018)
  28. Whiskers in the Dark (2019)
  29. Furmidable Foes (2020)
  30. Claws for Alarm (2021)
  31. Hiss & Tell (2023)
  32. Feline Fatale (2024)
  33. Sealed with a Hiss (2025)

Practical Reader Advice

If you are new to the series, the best place to start is undoubtedly the first book, Wish You Were Here. This introduces the core trio of animal friends: tiger cat Mrs. Murphy, gray cat Pewter, and corgi Tee Tucker, along with the cozy dynamics of their small-town Virginia community. While it is possible to read the mysteries as standalones, you will miss out on the rich, evolving community dynamics that make Crozet feel like a second home to long-term readers. Keep in mind that Sneaky Pie for President acts as a lighthearted political satire spin-off but remains officially numbered within the main series order.

Frequently Asked

QCan the Mrs. Murphy books be read out of order?

While the mystery in each book is self-contained, it is highly recommended to read them in publication order to avoid spoilers regarding the characters' personal lives, marriages, and careers.

QWho is Sneaky Pie Brown?

Sneaky Pie Brown is the feline co-author of the series, inspired by Rita Mae Brown's own tiger cat. Sneaky Pie is credited on every cover and "helps" write the animal interactions.

QWhat are the historical flashbacks in the later books?

Starting around Tail Gait, many books feature a dual-timeline structure, alternating between modern mysteries and 18th-century Virginia history that mirrors the present-day plot.

QIs Sneaky Pie for President a spin-off?

Yes, Sneaky Pie for President is a satirical campaign novel featuring the pets, but it is still counted as part of the official numerical series order (Book 21).

QWhich book should I read first?

You should start with Wish You Were Here (1990), which establishes the setting of Crozet, Virginia, and introduces the primary characters and their pets.

QHow many books are in the Mrs. Murphy series?

As of the release of Sealed with a Hiss in 2025, there are 33 novels in the main publication sequence.