Mysteries of Middlefield Books in Order

Recommended Mysteries of Middlefield Reading Order

The core Mysteries of Middlefield series was written specifically for middle-grade readers (ages 8 to 12) but has found a dedicated following among adults who appreciate clean, faith-based cozy mysteries. To follow the narrative development of the community and the young characters, you should read the main trilogy in its original publication order:

1. A Summer Secret (2010): The series opens with thirteen-year-old Mary Beth Mullet. Seeking a quiet escape from her busy household—which includes her twin brother Johnny and five younger brothers—she visits an old, forbidden barn on the edge of their property. When Johnny follows her, they discover a young English runaway boy hiding inside. Together, the twins must decide whether to keep the boy's secret or tell their parents, navigating family expectations and moral choices.
2. The Secrets Beneath (2010): The second installment shifts focus to Rebekah Yoder, a curious young girl who loves reading mysteries and fancies herself a local Nancy Drew. When she notices strange occurrences in her neighbor's backyard, she is determined to get to the bottom of it. Along the way, Rebekah learns valuable lessons about the dangers of gossip, the power of prayer, and the importance of understanding others before judging them.
3. Hide and Secret (2011): The final book in the trilogy follows the tomboyish Anna Mae Shetler and her childhood friends, Amos and Jeremiah Mullet. While playing in the woods, they stumble upon an old diary hidden in a tin box that reveals a decades-old family feud. As they try to piece the mystery together, their own friendships are tested, and they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness and community reconciliation.

What to Know Before You Start

Author Kathleen Fuller drew heavy inspiration from her own upbringing near Middlefield, Ohio, which is home to one of the largest and oldest Amish communities in the world. This background allows her to paint a highly authentic portrait of Amish life, incorporating Pennsylvania Dutch vocabulary, daily farming chores, and traditional cultural structures. A helpful glossary is included at the back of each book to guide readers through unfamiliar cultural terms.

Unlike many suspenseful mystery series, the conflicts in Middlefield are gentle, cozy, and deeply rooted in Christian faith. The mysteries serve as backdrops for character growth, helping the young protagonists navigate universal childhood struggles such as peer pressure, sibling rivalry, family dynamics, and moral responsibility.

The Broader Middlefield Universe: Spin-Offs and Adult Sequels

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Mysteries of Middlefield series is that the characters do not simply vanish after the third book. Kathleen Fuller has written several adult Amish romance series set in the exact same Middlefield community, allowing readers to see their favorite characters grow up, face adult challenges, and find love.

A Middlefield Family Series

This adult companion trilogy focuses on the older siblings and families in the community. Characters from the middle-grade books appear as older teenagers and adults here:

• Treasuring Emma (2011): The first book centers on Emma, who reunites with her first love, Adam, after he returns to the Amish church. This book introduces readers to Johnny Mullet (Mary Beth's twin brother from A Summer Secret) as an older teen.
• Faithful to Laura (2012): This novel follows Laura Stutzman and Sawyer Thompson as they navigate romance and their faith commitments within the Middlefield community.
• Letters to Katie (2013): The final book of this trilogy directly stars Johnny Mullet (from A Summer Secret) and Katherine "Katie" Yoder. After Katie suffers a severe illness that causes memory loss, Johnny tries to help her remember their shared past while they navigate mysterious letters sent by an unknown visitor.

A Faith of Her Own (2015)

This standalone adult Amish novel is a direct thematic sequel to the final middle-grade mystery, Hide and Secret. It stars the adult Anna Mae Shetler and her childhood friend Jeremiah Mullet. Jeremiah, who once left the Amish community to become a veterinarian, returns home to face the choices of his past, forcing both him and Anna Mae to confront their feelings for one another and decide where their true paths lie.

Hearts of Middlefield Series

For readers who want to fully immerse themselves in this setting, Fuller also wrote the Hearts of Middlefield series. While it is set in the same geographic community, it focuses on a different set of characters (primarily the Byler family) and is aimed at adult romance readers:

• A Man of His Word (2009)
• An Honest Love (2010)
• A Hand to Hold (2010)

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

For the core trilogy, the publication order and chronological order are identical. However, if you want to read the entire Middlefield collection chronologically as the characters age, you should follow this expanded path:

1. Hearts of Middlefield Series (2009–2010): Set slightly before or concurrently with the early events of the children's series.
2. Mysteries of Middlefield Trilogy (2010–2011): Read A Summer Secret, The Secrets Beneath, and Hide and Secret to meet the main characters as children aged 12–13.
3. A Middlefield Family Series (2011–2013): Read Treasuring Emma, Faithful to Laura, and Letters to Katie to follow Johnny Mullet and his peers as they reach adulthood.
4. A Faith of Her Own (2015): Read this standalone novel to see the conclusion of Anna Mae and Jeremiah's story as adults.

Practical Reader Advice

While the mysteries in the middle-grade books are self-contained and can theoretically be read as standalones, it is highly recommended to read them in order. The growth of the friendships between the children—especially the trio of Anna Mae, Amos, and Jeremiah—makes the final book, Hide and Secret, far more impactful when read last. Furthermore, starting with the middle-grade series provides a wonderful foundation of nostalgia before transitioning into the adult books like Letters to Katie and A Faith of Her Own.