The Recommended Reading Order for Paws and Claws
For the best experience, readers should follow the Paws and Claws series in its publication order. While each mystery is self-contained and resolves by the final page, the overarching lives, romances, and business ventures of the human residents of Wagtail develop continuously from book to book. Starting from the beginning allows you to see the growth of Holly's relationships, the evolution of the Sugar Maple Inn, and how the community matures.
Paws and Claws Books in Publication and Chronological Order
Because the chronological order of the stories matches the order in which they were published, you do not need to worry about confusing timelines. Below is the list of all ten books in the series, including their release years and key plot points:
- Murder, She Barked (2013) – Holly Miller returns to the pet-friendly town of Wagtail, Virginia, to help her grandmother, Oma, run the Sugar Maple Inn. She is quickly pulled into investigating a hit-and-run death and a string of local crimes alongside a newly adopted Jack Russell Terrier named Trixie and a calico kitten named Twinkletoes.
- The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer (2014) – Halloween festivities bring a spooky vibe to Wagtail, but the fun turns serious when a ghost-hunting event ends with a guest drowned in a pond. Holly must separate local folklore from a cold-blooded killer.
- Murder Most Howl (2015) – A winter-themed murder mystery weekend at the Sugar Maple Inn becomes all too real when a simulated crime scene yields a genuine corpse, putting Holly and her furry sleuths on the case.
- Mission Impawsible (2017) – Oma plays Cupid by hosting a matchmaking weekend for pet lovers. The event goes awry when a guest is found dead with a letter from Oma in his pocket, forcing Holly to investigate the visitors to clear her family's name.
- Not a Creature Was Purring (2017) – The holiday season is disrupted when Holly’s childhood crush returns to town with a fiancée, and Trixie discovers the body of a pet clothing tycoon during the Christkindl Market.
- The Dog Who Knew Too Much (2019) – A famous canine celebrity visits Wagtail for relaxation but brings chaos instead. Trixie and the star dog discover a body during a treasure hunt, and a stranger arrives claiming to be Trixie's rightful owner.
- Big Little Spies (2021) – During a pet adoption charity ball hosted by the Wagtail Animal Guardians, a retired judge's dog is stolen. A pet detective hired to find the dog is murdered, leaving Holly to investigate a list of high-profile guests.
- A Good Dog's Guide to Murder (2022) – Wagtail hosts a gingerbread pet house competition at a new convention center. When an ancient, historic oak tree is cut down for safety reasons, a body is discovered hidden inside its trunk.
- The Dog Across the Lake (2024) – A mysterious reddish-gold dog leads Holly to a campsite across the lake. She discovers her cousin Josh and his girlfriend have vanished, and a guest from the inn is found dead in their tent.
- The Wagtail Murder Club (2025) – Holly adopts an abandoned puppy named Squishy just as her ex-boyfriend arrives with a group of lawyers. A fatal fall and a subsequent murder force Holly to investigate the legal entourage.
The World of Wagtail, Virginia
The true star of the series is the fictional town of Wagtail, Virginia. Nestled in the scenic hills, Wagtail is designed as an absolute paradise for pet owners. From dog bakeries and cat cafes to pet-friendly spa treatments, animals are welcomed everywhere. The primary setting is the Sugar Maple Inn, a cozy lodge operated by Holly's grandmother, Oma. The series is celebrated for its warm community vibes, recurring secondary characters, and the charming dynamic between Holly and her animal companions, who frequently nudge her toward clues.
Practical Reader Advice and FAQs
If you are new to the series, here is what you need to know before starting:
- Can the books be read as standalones? Yes, the core mystery of each book is fully resolved. However, to understand the romantic tension, family dynamics, and the background stories of the townsfolk, starting with book one is highly recommended.
- Are there spin-offs or crossovers? Although Krista Davis is the author of other popular cozy mystery series, such as the Domestic Diva Mysteries and the Pen & Ink Mysteries, there are no crossovers. The Paws and Claws series stands completely on its own.
- Recipes are included: True to cozy mystery traditions, Davis includes delicious recipes at the end of each book. Uniquely, she provides recipes for both humans and their pets, making the books a double treat.