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Myrtle Crumb Books in Order

6 Books
2004 – 2015 Published
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How to Read the Myrtle Crumb Series

If you enjoy cozy mysteries featuring spunky senior sleuths, faith-filled storylines, and small-town charm, Gayle Trent's Myrtle Crumb series is a delightful addition to your reading list. Set in the scenic hills of Virginia, the series revolves around Myrtle Crumb, a sassy sexagenarian with a sharp mind, a talent for finding trouble, and a heart for her community. Supported by her tech-savvy granddaughter, Sunny, and the patient local sheriff, Cooper Norville, Myrtle proves that age is just a number when it comes to solving crimes.

To help you navigate Myrtle's adventures, we have laid out the two main ways to approach the series: by publication order and by chronological story order.

Recommended Reading Order: Chronological vs. Publication Order

Because the prequel short story, The Party Line, was published after the fourth book, readers often debate whether to start there or dive straight into the first full-length novel. Here is a breakdown of both orders to help you decide.

1. Chronological Reading Order

Reading the series chronologically allows you to see how Myrtle first discovered her talent for amateur detective work before she became a well-known local sleuth. This order begins with the prequel short story:

  1. The Party Line (Prequel, 2015) — Introduces a younger Myrtle learning secrets over a party-line phone.
  2. Between a Clutch and a Hard Place (Book 1, 2004) — The first novel, introducing Myrtle's signature investigations.
  3. When Good Bras Go Bad (Book 2, 2006) — Myrtle investigates school thefts.
  4. Claus of Death (Book 3, 2013) — A festive Christmas-themed murder mystery.
  5. Soup...Er...Myrtle! (Book 4, 2014) — A cozy novella involving church function poisoning.
  6. Perp and Circumstance (Book 5, 2015) — The latest full-length mystery.

2. Original Publication Order

If you prefer to experience the series exactly as it was released and watch Gayle Trent's writing style evolve over the years, follow the publication order. Note that while some online databases list When Good Bras Go Bad as a 2012 release, that date reflects its digital and e-book re-release; the original print edition was published in 2006.

  1. Between a Clutch and a Hard Place (2004)
  2. When Good Bras Go Bad (2006)
  3. Claus of Death (2013)
  4. Soup...Er...Myrtle! (2014)
  5. Perp and Circumstance (2015)
  6. The Party Line (Prequel, 2015)

Deep Dive: The Myrtle Crumb Book Breakdown

Understanding the details of each mystery will help you get the most out of your visit to small-town Virginia. Below is an overview of the key stories in the series.

The Party Line (Prequel, 2015)

Though written and published later in the series' run, this prequel story takes readers back to the roots of Myrtle's sleuthing. Centered around a vintage party-line telephone system, Myrtle overhears a rumor that a local man has been showing interest in a woman who is not his wife. When the woman in question is found dead, Myrtle cannot help but investigate. It is a quick read that showcases the early sparks of her curiosity.

Between a Clutch and a Hard Place (Book 1, 2004)

This is the official starting point for the full-length novels. Myrtle finds herself investigating a suspicious car repair scam in her hometown that quickly escalates to murder. The book introduces readers to Myrtle's endearing personality, her close relationship with her granddaughter Sunny, and the local sheriff Cooper Norville, who is frequently both exasperated and impressed by her methods. A second-hand purse serves as a key clue in this initial mystery.

When Good Bras Go Bad (Book 2, 2006)

Humor and suspense blend perfectly in this second installment. Myrtle takes on an investigation at her granddaughter's school, where a series of thefts has disrupted the local community. Myrtle's sharp wits are put to the test as she attempts to uncover the culprit while navigating small-town gossip and protecting her family.

Claus of Death (Book 3, 2013)

Cozy mystery fans love holiday-themed books, and this one does not disappoint. When a local Christmas pageant turns deadly, Myrtle has to step in to find out who turned a season of joy into a crime scene. The festive decorations, winter chill, and community dynamics provide a wonderful backdrop for a classic holiday puzzle.

Soup...Er...Myrtle! (Book 4, 2014)

This short novella centers around a poisoned soup incident during a church event. As a story heavily grounded in Christian cozy mystery tropes, it focuses on themes of faith, fellowship, and neighborly trust. It is a quick, light mystery that bridges the gap between the longer novels.

Perp and Circumstance (Book 5, 2015)

The fifth book sees Myrtle continuing to balance her personal life with her unstoppable urge to solve crimes. When a new mystery hits the town, Myrtle uses her deep understanding of the local residents to piece together the clues before the sheriff can close the case.

Practical Reader Advice and Starting Points

If you are deciding where to start, the safest and most satisfying entry point is Between a Clutch and a Hard Place. While The Party Line is chronologically first, starting with the first novel gives you a better introduction to the core cast of characters and the established small-town atmosphere. The prequel is best read as a fun flashback once you are already invested in Myrtle's life.

Most of these books can be enjoyed as standalones since each mystery is self-contained. However, reading them in order is recommended to watch the development of Myrtle's relationships—especially her friendship with the sheriff and the growth of her granddaughter, Sunny.

Spin-offs and Similar Series

Gayle Trent is a prolific author who also writes under the names Amanda Lee and Gayle Leeson. If you finish Myrtle Crumb and want more cozy mysteries set in Virginia, you can explore the Daphne Martin Cake Mystery Series (written under Gayle Trent) or the Down South Café Mystery Series (written as Gayle Leeson). For a paranormal twist, look into the Ghostly Fashionista Mystery Series, which features a fashion designer solving crimes with the help of a ghost.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Myrtle Crumb series?

We recommend starting with the first full-length novel, Between a Clutch and a Hard Place. Although the prequel short story The Party Line takes place earlier chronologically, the first novel provides a better introduction to the characters and setting.

QIs there a difference in publication years for When Good Bras Go Bad?

Yes. The book was originally published in print in 2006, but many online platforms and digital catalogs list it as a 2012 release due to its e-book and digital re-publication.

QWho is Sunny in the Myrtle Crumb books?

Sunny is Myrtle Crumb's tech-savvy granddaughter. She often assists Myrtle by using modern gadgets and technology to help gather clues and solve cases.

QAre the Myrtle Crumb books Christian fiction?

Yes, the series blends cozy mystery elements with Christian fiction. Myrtle’s faith and values are woven naturally into the small-town community dynamics and her approach to solving crimes.

QUnder what other names does author Gayle Trent write?

Gayle Trent also writes under the pseudonyms Amanda Lee (known for the Embroidery Mystery Series) and Gayle Leeson (known for the Down South Café Mystery Series).

QIs the Myrtle Crumb series completed?

The last published book in the series was released in 2015. While there have been no new announcements, fans still hope author Gayle Trent might return to Myrtle's world in the future.