Pizza Lovers Mysteries Books in Order

How to Read the Pizza Lovers Mysteries

The Pizza Lovers Mysteries, written by Chris Cavender (a pen name for the prolific cozy mystery author Tim Myers), transports readers to the fictional town of Timber Ridge, North Carolina, nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The series centers on Eleanor Swift, the determined owner of the pizzeria A Slice of Delight, and her bubbly sister, Maddy Spencer. Together, they whip up specialty pizzas and crack local murder cases.

For the most satisfying reading experience, readers have two choices: following the publication timeline or adjusting for the chronological placement of the 'lost' seventh book. Below, we break down both paths so you can decide how to slice it.

Option 1: The Chronological Reading Order (Recommended)

If you want to read the series in the order the events actually occur in the characters' lives, you should insert the final published book, Thin Crust Killers, earlier in your run. The author originally wrote this installment between the second and third books but delayed its publication due to a disagreement with his editor. Rather than rewriting it later to match the series' end-state, Cavender released it as a 'look back' to a simpler time. Reading it chronologically keeps the character progression and relationship developments seamless.

1. A Slice of Murder (2009)
2. Pepperoni Pizza Can Be Murder (2010)
3. Thin Crust Killers (2014) — Note: Chronologically, this serves as Book 2.5.
4. A Pizza to Die For (2011)
5. Rest in Pizza (2012)
6. Killer Crust (2012)
7. The Missing Dough (2013)

Option 2: The Publication Order

If you prefer to read the books in the exact order they hit bookstore shelves, follow the publication order. Keep in mind that when you reach the final book, Thin Crust Killers, you will experience a flashback of sorts, returning to the characters' earlier dynamics before the dramatic events of the later books took place.

1. A Slice of Murder (2009)
2. Pepperoni Pizza Can Be Murder (2010)
3. A Pizza to Die For (2011)
4. Rest in Pizza (2012)
5. Killer Crust (2012)
6. The Missing Dough (2013)
7. Thin Crust Killers (2014)

A Closer Look at the Pizza Lovers Mysteries Books

1. A Slice of Murder (2009)

The series kicks off by introducing Eleanor Swift, a widow trying to keep her pizzeria afloat. Her quiet routine is shattered when she delivers a pizza to customer Richard Olsen, only to find him dead on the floor with a knife protruding from his chest. Having recently had a very public argument with Olsen, Eleanor becomes the prime suspect. With the help of her energetic sister Maddy, she must search for the real killer to clear her name.

2. Pepperoni Pizza Can Be Murder (2010)

Trouble hits close to home when Wade, the brother of Eleanor's pizzeria delivery driver Gregg, is found dead right inside the kitchen of A Slice of Delight. The victim was bashed over the head with a heavy wooden pizza-rolling pin, placing Gregg under immediate suspicion. Eleanor and Maddy step in to investigate, sorting through Wade's long list of local enemies to save their employee.

3. Thin Crust Killers (2014)

Though published last, this story takes place chronologically after the second book. When a local bank is robbed, the thief leaves behind a demand note scrawled on the back of one of A Slice of Delight's menus. Shortly after, a body is discovered, and the sisters find themselves entangled in a web of small-town secrets and bank robbery logistics. The author preserved the original draft's timeline, offering a nostalgic return to the early days of Timber Ridge.

4. A Pizza to Die For (2011)

Eleanor faces stiff competition when a haughty newcomer, Judson Sizemore, opens a rival, upscale wood-fired pizza joint called Italia's. After Eleanor and Maddy clash publicly with Judson over his aggressive business tactics, the rival owner is found murdered. Once again labeled as suspects, the sisters investigate Judson's connections, uncovering an eccentric millionaire uncle, a gold-digging sister, and hidden relationships.

5. Rest in Pizza (2012)

Timber Ridge is abuzz when obnoxious celebrity chef Antonio Benet arrives for a book signing. Benet manages to insult almost everyone in town, including Eleanor, whose kitchen he rudely takes over. When the chef is found murdered shortly after, half the town has a motive. Eleanor joins forces with retired police detective Skinny Slidell to navigate the bloated list of suspects and crack the case.

6. Killer Crust (2012)

Eleanor and Maddy are visited by Laughing Luigi, a sketchy mogul who built a massive empire out of frozen pizza dough. Luigi invites the sisters to participate in a high-profile pizza-making competition. However, the fun ends abruptly when Luigi is murdered. The sisters must dig into the competitive and cutthroat world of commercial pizza dough to identify the killer.

7. The Missing Dough (2013)

The stakes become deeply personal in what serves as the chronological finale. Maddy's unfaithful ex-husband, Grant, unexpectedly shows up in Timber Ridge, only to end up dead. When Maddy's new fiancé is accused of the murder, the sisters must work fast to unravel Grant's shady past, protect their family, and secure Maddy's future.

What to Know Before You Start

Before you dive into Chris Cavender's Timber Ridge, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

• Pseudonym Context: Chris Cavender is a pen name for Tim Myers. If you enjoy his writing style, you can check out his other popular cozy series, such as the Donut Shop Mysteries (written as Jessica Beck) or the Lighthouse Inn Mysteries (written under his own name).
• Standalone vs. Continuity: Each book features a self-contained murder mystery, meaning you won't be left on a cliffhanger. However, the relationships, romantic developments, and town dynamics progress over time, so reading them in order (ideally chronologically) is highly recommended.
• Bonus Recipes: Every book in the series ends with actual, mouth-watering pizza recipes. Make sure you don't read these books on an empty stomach!