Books On Board

The Violet Carlyle Mysteries Books in Order

  • 45 Books
  • 2018 – 2020 Published

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Reading order
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How to Read The Violet Carlyle Mysteries

For readers diving into the Roaring Twenties with Lady Violet Carlyle, the path forward is straightforward. Beth Byers writes and releases the series in a linear, chronological fashion. This means the publication order and chronological order are identical. To fully appreciate the character growth, evolving relationships, and recurring subplots among Violet’s entourage of 'Bright Young Things,' you should start at the very beginning and read the books sequentially.

We highly recommend starting with the debut novel, Murder & The Heir, which sets up Violet’s independent spirit, her close bond with her twin brother Victor, and the cozy historical atmosphere that defines the series. While the mystery in each book is resolved by the final page, the underlying relationships and personal lives of the characters carry over directly from one installment to the next.

The Complete Reading Order

Here is the complete list of The Violet Carlyle Mysteries in their recommended reading order, which tracks both their publication and chronological sequence:

  1. Murder & The Heir (2018)
  2. Kennington House Murder (2019)
  3. Murder at the Folly (2019)
  4. A Merry Little Murder (2019)
  5. Murder Among the Roses (2019)
  6. Murder in the Shallows (2019)
  7. Gin & Murder (2019)
  8. Obsidian Murder (2019)
  9. Murder at the Ladies Club (2019)
  10. Wedding Vows & Murder (2019)
  11. A Jazzy Little Murder (2019)
  12. Murder By Chocolate (2019)
  13. A Friendly Little Murder (2019)
  14. Murder by the Sea (2019)
  15. Murder on All Hallows (2019)
  16. Murder in the Shadows (2019)
  17. A Jolly Little Murder (2019)
  18. Hijinks & Murder (2020)
  19. Love & Murder (2020)
  20. A Zestful Little Murder (2020)
  21. A Murder Most Odd (2020)
  22. Nearly A Murder (2020)
  23. A Treasured Little Murder (2020)
  24. A Cozy Little Murder (2020)
  25. A Masked Murderer (2020)
  26. Meddlesome Madness (2020)
  27. Silver Bells & Murder (2020)
  28. Mystery on Valentine's Day (2020)
  29. Murder at Midnight (2021)
  30. A Fabulous Little Murder (2021)
  31. Murder On A Yacht (2021)
  32. Murder On The Boardwalk (2021)
  33. Murder On A Girl's Night Out (2021)
  34. A Frosty Little Murder (2021)
  35. A Romantic Little Murder (2022)
  36. Murder With Daffodils (2022)
  37. Murder, Perhaps (2022)
  38. A Spooky Little Murder (2022)
  39. Murder & Mistletoe (2022)
  40. A Tender Little Murder (2023)
  41. Murder Foretold (2023)
  42. Murder on the Downs (2023)
  43. Murder at the Funeral (2023)
  44. A Murderous Little Christmas (2023)
  45. Murder Overdue (2024)

What to Know Before You Start

The series is set in post-World War I England, beginning around Christmas 1922. The backdrop shifts between glamorous London nightclubs, grand country estates, and occasional escapes to continental Europe, such as Bruges or the Amalfi Coast. Beth Byers brings the era to life with vivid descriptions of flapper fashion, jazz music, and the shifting social dynamics of the decade.

Lady Violet Carlyle is a refreshing protagonist: wealthy, fiercely independent, and unwilling to be constrained by the rigid gender expectations of her class. Alongside her twin brother Victor and Chief Inspector Jack Wakefield, Violet frequently finds herself at the center of high-society scandals and clever homicides. The writing style is light, conversational, and fast-paced, making these books perfect 'mind candy' for cozy mystery lovers. Note that while some readers have pointed out occasional Americanized vocabulary or minor editing slip-ups in early editions, the series' immense charm and engaging character dynamics have earned it a dedicated following.

Spin-Offs and Companion Series

While there are no direct character crossovers or shared-universe storylines that impact the plot of the Violet Carlyle books, Beth Byers has written several other historical cozy mystery series that share the same historical timeline, style, and charming tone. If you finish Violet's adventures and want more from the author, you should check out these companion works:

  • Smith Investigates Mystery Series: A 13-book historical mystery series starting with Something Wicked (2021). It follows amateur sleuth Smith as he solves crimes in the 1920s.
  • The Mysteries of Severine DuNoir: Another 1920s-set series following Severine DuNoir as she returns home to investigate the mystery behind her parents' deaths.
  • Hettie and Ro Historical Mysteries: Co-authored with Bettie Jane, this series offers another delightful escape into historical amateur sleuthing.
  • Poison Ink Mysteries: A cozy series by Byers that continues her signature style of lighthearted suspense and strong character bonds.

Frequently Asked

Can The Violet Carlyle Mysteries be read out of order?

While each book features a self-contained murder mystery, it is highly recommended to read them in order. The romantic subplots, family drama, and character development build chronologically across the series.

What is the very first book in the Violet Carlyle series?

The series begins with Murder & The Heir, published in 2018. It introduces Lady Violet Carlyle, her twin brother Victor, and the post-WWI English setting.

Are there any crossover books in the series?

No, there are no official crossovers. However, Beth Byers' other series, such as Smith Investigates and The Mysteries of Severine DuNoir, share a similar 1920s cozy mystery vibe and are highly recommended for fans.

Who is the co-author of the Hettie and Ro series?

Beth Byers co-authored the Hettie and Ro Historical Mystery series with author Bettie Jane.

Where is the series primarily set?

The series is set during the 1920s, mostly in London and grand English country estates, with occasional travels to European destinations like Bruges and the Amalfi Coast.