Starry Hollow Witches Books in Order

How to Read the Starry Hollow Witches Series in Order

If you love supernatural mysteries with a heavy dose of humor, quirky familiars, and small-town charm, Annabel Chase's Starry Hollow Witches is the perfect series to curl up with. Spanning 19 novels and a key companion short story, this series has captured the hearts of paranormal cozy mystery fans. The series follows Ember Rose, a single mother from New Jersey who discovers she is the descendant of the One True Witch and is whisked away to the magical town of Starry Hollow.

The best way to read the series is in publication order. Because the books feature ongoing character arcs, evolving romantic tension between Ember and the werewolf sheriff Nash, and the growth of Ember's daughter Marley, reading them out of sequence will spoil major plot points.

Starry Hollow Witches Recommended Reading Order

Here is the complete list of books in their recommended reading order:

1. Magic & Murder (2017) – The series opener where Ember arrives in Starry Hollow and is immediately suspected of murder.
2. Magic & Mystery (2017) – Ember investigates a bizarre case of local bachelors turning into frogs.
3. Magic & Mischief (2017) – Ember must unravel a curse that brings nightmares to life in the town.
4. Magic & Mayhem (2017) – The stakes rise as Ember continues to balance her magic and investigative work.
5. One Witch's Trash Panda Is Another Witch's Treasure (2018) – A must-read companion short story detailing how Ember first met her raccoon familiar, Raoul. While listed as Book 6 in some databases, it is best read as Book 3.5 or Book 4.5.
6. Magic & Mercy (2018) – Ember faces new challenges while dealing with the supernatural hierarchy.
7. Magic & Madness (2018) – Magical chaos erupts as Ember's powers and family life get more complicated.
8. Magic & Malice (2018) – Ember investigates a malicious plot threatening the town's peace.
9. Magic & Mythos (2018) – A murder investigation gets personal, testing Ember's romantic and family bonds.
10. Magic & Mishaps (2019) – Ember handles a series of supernatural accidents and mishaps.
11. Magic & Maladies (2019) – A magical sickness sweeps through Starry Hollow, and Ember is on the case.
12. Magic & Misdeeds (2019) – Ember must uncover who is behind a series of magical crimes.
13. Magic & Monsters (2020) – New supernatural entities arrive in town, causing trouble.
14. Magic & Misfits (2021) – Ember works with a group of town outcasts to solve a new mystery.
15. Magic & Misfortune (2021) – Bad luck plagues Starry Hollow, requiring Ember's unique skills to resolve.
16. Magic & Marriage (2022) – Romantic developments and wedding bells bring new mysteries and drama.
17. Magic & Midnight (2022) – A high-stakes race against the clock under the midnight moon.
18. Magic & Mirrors (2023) – Ember confronts illusions and reflective magic in this late-series entry.
19. Magic & Mistletoe (2023) – A festive holiday mystery filled with cozy charm and magical mayhem.
20. Magic & Mutiny (2024) – The 19th novel and the grand finale of Ember Rose's adventures in Starry Hollow.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

For the Starry Hollow Witches series, chronological order and publication order are almost identical. The only minor deviation is the placement of the short story, One Witch's Trash Panda Is Another Witch's Treasure. Originally published in the limited-edition anthology Seven Pets For Seven Witches, this story focuses on how Ember Rose met her beloved, trash-talking raccoon familiar, Raoul. Although some database listings catalog it as Book 6 based on its standalone publication date, it chronologically fits best between Book 4 (Magic & Mayhem) and Book 5 (Magic & Mercy), often referred to by readers as Book 3.5 or 4.5.

What to Know Before You Start

Annabel Chase describes the tone of Starry Hollow Witches as "Wednesday meets Gilmore Girls." It blends a sarcastic, fast-talking New Jersey protagonist with a quirky, charming supernatural community. Here are a few things to keep in mind before diving in:

• Character Continuity: The overarching mystery of Ember's heritage, her relationship with Sheriff Nash, and Marley's development unfold slowly across the entire run. We highly recommend starting with the very first book, Magic & Murder, rather than jumping in midway.
• Standalone vs. Serialized: While each book features a self-contained cozy mystery case that is solved by the final page, the personal lives and overall magical lore of the town build from book to book.
• The Cozy Vibe: Despite the frequent murders and supernatural threats, the series keeps a lighthearted, humorous, and comforting tone. You can expect plenty of witty banter, magical mishaps, and warm family moments.

The Wider Annabel Chase Universe

Fans of Starry Hollow Witches often wonder if the series connects to Annabel Chase's other popular works, such as the Spellbound or Federal Bureau of Magic series. While the town of Starry Hollow is mentioned in passing in the Spellbound series (which features Emma Hart and is set in the town of Spellbound), they are separate series with their own unique casts and settings. You do not need to read one to understand the other, though reading both allows you to appreciate the shared supernatural world Chase has constructed.