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series Reading Order

Myrtle Clover Books in Order

25 Books
2006 – 2022 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Path for Myrtle Clover

If you are looking to jump into the delightful cozy mystery world created by Elizabeth Spann Craig, the best place to start is with the official Book 1, Pretty Is as Pretty Dies (published in 2009). While the very first book Craig published in the universe was actually A Dyeing Shame back in 2006, the author later restructured the series order. In the official chronological numbering, Pretty Is as Pretty Dies serves as the true introduction to Myrtle Clover, her sidekick Miles, her son Red (the local police chief), and the quirky small town of Bradley, North Carolina.

While every mystery is self-contained and can technically be read as a standalone, reading the series in its recommended order is highly satisfying. Doing so allows you to watch the evolving, humorous dynamic between Myrtle and her fellow senior citizen Miles, as well as the hilarious tension between Myrtle and her protective son, who would much rather his mother stay home and garden instead of poking around crime scenes with her heavy wooden cane.

The Official Myrtle Clover Reading Order

Here is the complete chronological reading path for the Myrtle Clover Mysteries, updated with the latest releases:

  1. Pretty Is as Pretty Dies (2009)
  2. Progressive Dinner Deadly (2011)
  3. A Dyeing Shame (2006) — Note: Published first, but officially placed as Book 3.
  4. A Body in the Backyard (2012)
  5. Death at a Drop-In (2013)
  6. A Body at Book Club (2014)
  7. Death Pays a Visit (2014)
  8. A Body at Bunco (2015)
  9. Murder on Opening Night (2015)
  10. Cruising for Murder (2016)
  11. Cooking is Murder (2017)
  12. A Body in the Trunk (2017)
  13. Cleaning is Murder (2018)
  14. Edit to Death (2019)
  15. Hushed Up (2019)
  16. A Body in the Attic (2020)
  17. Murder on the Ballot (2020)
  18. Death of a Suitor (2021)
  19. A Dash of Murder (2022)
  20. Death at a Diner (2022)
  21. A Myrtle Clover Christmas (2022)
  22. Murder at a Yard Sale (2023)
  23. Doom and Bloom (2023)
  24. A Toast to Murder (2024)
  25. Mystery Loves Company (2024)
  26. A Murder Down Memory Lane (2025)
  27. Murder Sees All (2025)
  28. Volunteer for Murder (2026)

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

The distinction between publication order and chronological reading order in this series comes down to the debut book, A Dyeing Shame. Originally published in 2006, it was Elizabeth Spann Craig's introduction to Myrtle. However, when the series was picked up and expanded starting with Pretty Is as Pretty Dies in 2009, Craig established that book as the foundational introduction to the characters and setting. Consequently, A Dyeing Shame was retroactively numbered as Book 3. For the smoothest narrative progression regarding character relationships and recurring town dynamics, readers are encouraged to follow the numbered chronological order rather than strict publication dates.

What to Know Before You Start

Set in the fictional town of Bradley, North Carolina, the Myrtle Clover series is celebrated for its lighthearted Southern charm, witty banter, and zero-gore approach to murder mysteries. Myrtle is a sharp-tongued, fiercely independent octogenarian who isn't afraid to use her cane to get her way or snoops on suspects under the guise of an innocent old lady. Key recurring elements include her obsession with garden gnomes, the antics of the local psychic Wanda, and the begrudging but solid partnership she shares with Miles, a fellow senior who provides the perfect dry-witted foil to her impulsive schemes. It is a classic cozy setup: low violence, high puzzle value, and a vibrant community of characters who recur throughout the decades-long run of the series.

Spin-Offs and Author Universe Connections

Elizabeth Spann Craig is a prolific author who also writes the popular Southern Quilting Mysteries (featuring Beatrice Coleman) and the Village Library Mysteries (featuring librarian Myrtle Clover's spiritual cousin, Ann Carter). Despite sharing Craig's signature cozy style and Southern settings, these series are entirely separate. There are no official crossover events or shared continuities between Myrtle Clover's Bradley and the settings of her other works. Each series is designed to stand alone, meaning you can dive into Myrtle's world without needing to read any of Craig's other books first.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best book to start with in the Myrtle Clover series?

You should start with Pretty Is as Pretty Dies. Although it is the second book published, the author recommends it as the official Book 1 because it serves as the best introduction to the characters and the town of Bradley.

QWhy is A Dyeing Shame listed as Book 3 if it was published first?

A Dyeing Shame was published in 2006 as the debut, but when the series expanded, the author retroactively designated Pretty Is as Pretty Dies (2009) as Book 1 and placed A Dyeing Shame as Book 3 to maintain the best flow of character relationships.

QCan the Myrtle Clover books be read as standalones?

Yes, each book features a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the end. However, reading them in order is recommended to fully enjoy the development of the relationships between Myrtle, Miles, and her son Red.

QHow many books are in the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mystery series?

As of early 2026, there are 28 full-length novels in the main series, ending with Volunteer for Murder which was published in April 2026.

QAre there any crossover books with Elizabeth Spann Craig's other series?

No, there are no crossovers. The Myrtle Clover Mysteries, the Southern Quilting Mysteries, and the Village Library Mysteries all exist in separate, distinct universes.