Northwest Cozy Mystery Books in Order

How to Read the Northwest Cozy Mystery Series

If you are looking to dive into the charming, food-filled world of Dianne Harman’s Northwest Cozy Mystery series, the best path forward is straightforward. The books should be read in publication order. The series begins on Bainbridge Island, Washington, introducing readers to DeeDee Wilson, a newly divorced woman rebuilding her life through a fledgling catering business. Reading the books sequentially allows you to watch DeeDee's business grow, see her relationships develop, and enjoy the recurring presence of her gorgeous Siberian Husky, Balto, and her private investigator partner, Jake.

The Recommended Reading Order

Here is the complete list of books in the Northwest Cozy Mystery series in their chronological and publication order:

1. Murder on Bainbridge Island (2017) – The series opener where DeeDee starts her catering company and must clear her name when a gallery owner is found dead.
2. Murder in Whistler (2017) – A golf vacation in British Columbia turns deadly, drawing DeeDee and Jake into a new investigation.
3. Murder in Seattle (2017) – Mob-related intrigue comes close to home when DeeDee's sister marries into a family with dark connections.
4. Murder After Midnight (2017) – A high-stakes mystery that tests DeeDee’s culinary and sleuthing skills.
5. Murder at Le Bijou Bistro (2018) – A French restaurant setting provides the backdrop for a culinary crime.
6. Murder at the Gallery (2018) – The art world of the Pacific Northwest proves to be as dangerous as it is beautiful.
7. Murder at the Waterfront (2018) – Cozy coastal vibes contrast with a puzzling waterfront homicide.
8. Murder and Food Porn (2018) – The modern world of social media food influencers and catering meets a deadly end.
9. Murder in the Cayman Islands (2018) – A tropical getaway for DeeDee and Jake that quickly shifts from relaxation to investigation.
10. Murder in Chicago (2019) – A change of scenery to the Windy City brings fresh culinary challenges and a new mystery to solve.
11. The Final Curtain Call (2019) – Drama takes center stage in this theatrical mystery.
12. Murder at the Manor (2020) – An estate mystery filled with family secrets and classic cozy elements.
13. Murder in Vancouver (2020) – Another trip across the Canadian border puts DeeDee on the trail of a clever killer.
14. Murder on the Train (2020) – A European train tour reminiscent of classic rail mysteries, featuring a highly dysfunctional family.
15. Murder After Dinner (2021) – A dinner party becomes the scene of a crime, leaving DeeDee to parse the guest list for suspects.
16. The Troubled Tycoon (2021) – High finance and personal grudges collide in a high-profile case.
17. Murder in Portland (2021) – DeeDee takes on the food scene of Portland, Oregon, only to stumble upon a local murder.
18. Confusion at the Convention (2021) – A busy industry convention provides the perfect cover for a killer.
19. A Murderous Opening (2022) – A grand opening event is ruined by a shocking crime.
20. The Missing Husband (2022) – A suspenseful search for a missing spouse that uncovers hidden secrets.
21. Too Good To Be True (2022) – DeeDee must determine if an ideal scenario is actually a facade for murder.
22. Murder on the Rooftop (2022) – A high-rise setting offers a vertical drop and a complex web of suspects.
23. Voices From The Past (2022) – Long-buried secrets resurface, bringing danger to the present day.
24. The Final Farewell (2023) – The closing chapter of the Northwest Cozy Mystery series, wrapping up DeeDee's long-running adventures.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order & Book Count Discrepancies

Unlike some long-running mystery series where the chronological events skip around in time, the Northwest Cozy Mystery series flows in a linear fashion. The order of publication matches the chronological sequence of events in DeeDee’s life. However, readers seeking to purchase or log these books online may notice a common numbering discrepancy.

Depending on which platform you use to track your reading (such as Goodreads, FictionDB, or Fantastic Fiction), the series is listed as having either 24 primary novels or 28 total works. This difference is not due to missing stories, but rather how databases categorize collections. The main storyline consists of 24 distinct, full-length novels. Databases that list 28 works generally count the author's four multi-book box sets (e.g., Box Set 1-3, Box Set 4-6) or "super series" bundles as separate numbered entries. This shifts the numbers of the final four books (Books 21 to 24 in the main series) up to Books 25 to 28 on those websites. Rest assured, if you read the 24 individual novels listed above, you will have completed the entire narrative arc without missing any story points.

What to Know Before You Start

Before stepping onto Bainbridge Island with DeeDee, here are a few things that define the unique tone and style of Dianne Harman's writing:

• A Clean, Cozy Vibe: The Northwest Cozy Mystery series is written to be a clean read. You will not find graphic violence, explicit language, or heavy bedroom scenes. The focus is squarely on the puzzle of the mystery, the warmth of the community, and the relationships of the characters.
• Culinary Delights: Food is central to DeeDee's identity and livelihood. Readers should be prepared to feel hungry while reading, as Harman describes catering menus, local dining, and home-cooked meals in detail. Even better, every book in the series finishes with a collection of real, step-by-step recipes inspired by the events of the book.
• A Pet Lover's Dream: Balto, the Siberian Husky with striking mismatched eyes (one blue, one brown), is more than just a pet. He is a valued companion who helps Jake and DeeDee, providing emotional support and occasional clues. Dog lovers will find Balto to be one of the highlights of the series.
• Vivid Pacific Northwest Setting: The setting is a character in its own right. Harman captures the misty shores of Bainbridge Island, the rainy streets of Seattle, the snowy peaks of Whistler, and the indie vibe of Portland. These real-world backdrops ground the lighthearted mysteries.

Key Characters in the Series

While the mysteries change with every installment, a close-knit group of recurring characters keeps readers anchored throughout DeeDee's journey:

• DeeDee Wilson: The heart of the series. A middle-aged divorcee who refuses to let life defeat her, DeeDee leverages her culinary skills into a successful catering business while discovering an unexpected talent for solving crimes.
• Jake: A skilled local private investigator. Jake serves as DeeDee's romantic partner and professional sounding board. His investigative experience helps keep DeeDee safe when her amateur sleuthing leads her into dangerous territory.
• Balto: DeeDee's faithful husky, known for his unique eyes and protective nature. He is a beloved fixture of the Bainbridge Island community.
• Al De Duco: A retired former mobster who relocates to the area. Al becomes an unlikely friend and useful ally to DeeDee, occasionally using his old-world connections and street smarts to help gather information.

Frequently Asked Questions & Standalone Status

A common question among cozy mystery readers is whether these books can be read out of order. The short answer is yes, but with caveats. Because each book features a self-contained murder mystery that is fully resolved by the final page, you can technically pick up any book in the series and enjoy the whodunit. However, the overarching character growth—specifically DeeDee's recovery from her divorce, the growth of her catering business, and her evolving relationship with Jake—develops chronologically. To fully appreciate the emotional journeys of the Bainbridge Island residents, starting with Murder on Bainbridge Island is highly recommended.