Scarlet and Ivy Books in Order

How to Read the Scarlet and Ivy Series

For the best experience, readers should follow the series in its publication order. Because the overarching mystery of Rookwood School, the development of the twins' relationship, and the recurring threats build directly from one book to the next, jumping in mid-series will spoil major plot points and leave you confused about character alliances. Here is the recommended reading path:

1. The Lost Twin (2015) – Ivy Grey is sent to Rookwood School to replace her twin sister Scarlet, who has mysteriously vanished. By finding pages of Scarlet's hidden diary, Ivy must unravel the dark secrets of the school and find out what happened to her sister.
2. The Whispers in the Walls (2015) – Now reunited at Rookwood, Scarlet and Ivy hope for a peaceful term. Instead, they are thrust into a new mystery involving historical secrets, strange thefts, and a conspiracy tied directly to their own family's past.
3. The Dance in the Dark (2016) – When a mysterious new ballet teacher arrives and creepy letters start circulating, the school is thrown into chaos. The twins must investigate a historic tragedy before history repeats itself on stage.
4. The Lights Under the Lake (2017) – A school trip to a lakeside resort takes a chilling turn. The girls uncover local folklore, strange lights, and a historic crime hidden beneath the dark water.
5. The Curse in the Candlelight (2017) – As winter sets in, a new girl joins the school and a series of ancient curses seem to come to life. The twins must figure out who is behind the dark magic before Rookwood burns.
6. The Last Secret (2019) – In the dramatic conclusion to the mainline series, Rookwood School faces demolition. Scarlet and Ivy must gather their allies and face their final, most dangerous enemy to save their home and uncover the ultimate truth.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Unlike some sprawling fantasy or mystery universes, the chronological order of the Scarlet and Ivy mainline novels perfectly matches their publication order. The story begins in the autumn term with The Lost Twin and progresses sequentially through the terms, holidays, and school years of the Grey twins. There are no prequel novellas or mid-series companion short stories that disrupt this timeline, making it a refreshingly straightforward journey for new readers.

The Shared Universe: The Violet Veil Mysteries

Once you finish the main six books, you do not have to leave Sophie Cleverly's atmospheric world behind. The author has penned a spin-off series called The Violet Veil Mysteries, set in the same universe but in a different era. This series should be read after the main books, though it can also be enjoyed independently.

The Violet Veil Books in Order:

1. A Case of Grave Danger (2021)
2. A Case of Misfortune (2022)
3. A Case of High Stakes (2024)

Set in Victorian England (specifically the 1890s), this spin-off follows Violet Veil, a young girl who works as an apprentice in her father's undertaking business. Alongside her loyal dog, Bones, Violet solves gothic mysteries and crimes in a cold, atmospheric town. While the characters do not overlap directly due to the time gap, Cleverly has confirmed that both series exist in the same continuity, and eagle-eyed fans will notice subtle nods and easter eggs, including references to Rookwood School itself in Violet's adventures.

What to Know Before You Start

Before you pack your bags for Rookwood School, here are a few helpful details to set your expectations:

• The Setting and Era: The main series is set in the 1930s. The historical setting is woven into the plot, influencing how the characters communicate, travel, and navigate the strict social expectations of a British boarding school in that decade.
• Dual Perspectives: While the first book is told entirely from Ivy's point of view as she hunts for her missing sister, subsequent books feature alternating perspectives between Scarlet and Ivy. This dual-narrative style highlights their contrasting personalities—Scarlet is bold and rebellious, while Ivy is quiet and analytical.
• Ideal Age Group: The series is officially classified as middle-grade fiction, recommended for readers aged 9 to 15. However, older teens and adult fans of classic gothic literature, boarding school stories, and historical mysteries will also find the dark atmosphere and clever puzzles highly engaging.
• Tone and Atmosphere: Cleverly blends the cozy boarding school structure of Enid Blyton with the darker, gothic suspense of Neil Gaiman. Expect creaky floorboards, secret passages, candlelight investigations, and genuinely eerie headmasters.

Co-Authored Books and Standalones

All books in the Scarlet and Ivy and The Violet Veil Mysteries series are solely written by Sophie Cleverly, with no co-authored entries or guest writers. Additionally, none of the mainline books function well as standalone reads. The personal growth of the twins, their shifting relationships with classmates like Ariadne and Violet Adams, and the escalating stakes are designed to be experienced as one continuous, six-part story. Start at the very beginning with The Lost Twin for the best reading experience.