Books On Board

Sharyn Howard Books in Order

  • 12 Books
  • 1999 – 2007 Published

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The Recommended Reading Path for Sharyn Howard

For readers diving into the Sharyn Howard series, the recommended path is simple and direct: read the books in publication order. Unlike some cozy mystery series where the main character's life remains static, Sharyn Howard's world undergoes significant evolution across the twelve novels. Key storylines—including her evolving romance with medical examiner Nick Thomopolis, her political battles during reelection campaigns, her long-standing feud with the corrupt former District Attorney (turned Senator) Jack Winter, and her persistent investigation into the cold case of her father's murder—span multiple books and build to a major climax in the final volume.

Reading the series out of order will spoil these overarching plots, particularly the mystery surrounding her father, T. Raymond Howard, and the fates of several recurring deputies in Diamond Springs. Beginning with Last Dance (1999) establishes the groundwork for both the town's geography and Sharyn's journey as a female sheriff battling local sexism.

The Sharyn Howard Mystery Series in Order

Here is the complete list of Sharyn Howard novels in their recommended reading order, following the original publication timeline:

  • Last Dance (1999) – Sharyn investigates a prom-night murder that mirrors a cold case handled by her late father, setting the tone for the series' dual past-and-present mystery format.
  • One Last Good-Bye (2000) – Sheriff Howard navigates budget cuts and her mother's frustrating romance with a senator while attempting to solve a high-pressure case.
  • The Last to Remember (2001) – Trapped by a blizzard, Sharyn digs into a 40-year-old crime, only to discover secrets that point straight toward her own deputy.
  • Until Our Last Embrace (2001) – An apparent bear attack in the Diamond Mountains is revealed to be a calculated murder by honey and attractant, exposing a wealthy family's inheritance war.
  • For the Last Time (2002) – Sharyn tackles another complex modern case intertwined with the history of Diamond Springs.
  • Dreams Don't Last (2002) – Facing a tough reelection campaign against former sheriff Roy Tarnower and a local "good old boy" network, Sharyn is pulled into a murder case involving Senator Caison Talbot.
  • Last Fires Burning (2003) – Just a week before the election, a burning car rolls down Main Street, leading Sharyn into a forest-fire related case that threatens someone she loves.
  • Glory's Last Victim (2003) – Sharyn travels outside her usual jurisdiction to investigate a death connected to local Cherokee legends and Civil War-era history.
  • Last Rites (2004) – A body found in a Mercedes buried in Union Cemetery leads Sharyn into a multi-jurisdictional turf war and closer to the truth about her father's death.
  • Last One Down (2004) – Reluctantly attending a training exercise in an abandoned mountain mining town, Sharyn finds herself trapped and hunting a killer when an officer disappears.
  • Before The Last Lap (2005) – Diamond Springs faces new threats as Sharyn balances her duty to the community with her increasingly complex personal life.
  • The First Shall Be Last (2007) – In the series finale, Sharyn stages a risky fake breakup with Nick to get close to her father's killer, Senator Jack Winter, and close the ultimate case.

Chronological Caveats and the Dual-Timeline Structure

One of the defining features of Joyce and Jim Lavene's writing in this series is the dual-mystery structure. Each book presents a contemporary investigation alongside a historical mystery. These past timelines often dive into the history of Diamond Springs, local Cherokee lore, the Civil War, or 20th-century family secrets. Despite these flashbacks, the primary narrative moves forward chronologically. Readers do not need to worry about reading the historical elements separately, as the authors carefully weave them together within the narrative of each individual book to explain the motives behind modern-day crimes.

What to Know Before You Start

Before beginning your journey to Diamond Springs, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • A Professional Sleuth: Unlike many cozy mysteries where the protagonist is an amateur (such as a baker or librarian), Sharyn Howard is a professional, third-generation sheriff. This adds a layer of procedural realism to the books, even as they maintain a warm, cozy atmosphere.
  • A Writing Partnership: The series was co-authored by the husband-and-wife team of Joyce and Jim Lavene. They wrote over 70 novels together, sometimes under pseudonyms like J.J. Cook and Ellie Grant, and their deep knowledge of North Carolina's geography and culture shines through in the setting.
  • The Romantic and Political Arc: Sharyn's relationships—specifically with medical examiner Nick Thomopolis and her adversary Jack Winter—are central to the series' continuity. The tension builds continuously from book one to book twelve.

Frequently Asked

Do I need to read the Sharyn Howard books in order?

Yes, it is highly recommended to read the series in publication order starting with Last Dance. The books feature continuous character development, a long-term romance, reelection campaigns, and an ongoing mystery surrounding the death of Sharyn's father.

Who wrote the Sharyn Howard mystery series?

The series was written by the husband-and-wife author team Joyce and Jim Lavene. They were prolific cozy mystery writers who also published under pseudonyms such as J.J. Cook and Ellie Grant.

Where is the Sharyn Howard series set?

The books are set in the fictional mountain town of Diamond Springs, North Carolina. The authors drew heavy inspiration from the landscapes and history of their home state of North Carolina.

What is the final book in the Sharyn Howard series?

The series concludes with the twelfth book, The First Shall Be Last, published in 2007, which wraps up the long-running mystery of Sharyn's father's death.

How does Sharyn Howard differ from typical cozy mystery protagonists?

Unlike typical cozy mystery leads who are amateur sleuths, Sharyn Howard is a professional, third-generation sheriff. She faces professional challenges like sexism, department budgets, and local politics alongside her investigations.