The Recommended Reading Order for Verity Long
For the best experience, readers should follow the series in its original publication order. While each mystery functions as a standalone puzzle with a self-contained resolution, the overarching character development—specifically Verity Long’s career shift from a personal assistant to a crime novelist to a part-time police cold case researcher, and her romantic relationship with Detective Inspector Jerry Farish—progresses chronologically from book to book.
Start your journey with the very first novel, Strictly Murder, to understand how Verity first stumbles into sleuthing, and read through to the final installment, An Appetite For Murder.
Verity Long Books in Publication Order
The series consists of nine full-length novels and two companion novellas published between 2012 and 2018. Here is the list in order of release:
- Strictly Murder (2012)
- Organized Murder (2012)
- A Novel Way to Die (2013) – Novella (often numbered as #1.5)
- Scouting For Murder (2013)
- Married to Murder (2014)
- Murder by the Glass (2015) – Novella (often numbered as #5.5)
- Long Drive to Death (2015)
- Long Cold Death (2016)
- Long Deathly Christmas (2016)
- Long Tramp to Murder (2017)
- An Appetite For Murder (2018)
Chronological Details and Novella Placements
While the publication order matches the chronological flow, the two novellas are placed between major novels and provide delightful side-adventures that flesh out Verity's life and relationships:
- A Novel Way to Die (Book 1.5): This novella is set after the events of Organized Murder and before Scouting For Murder. It highlights Verity's daily life working under KD and dealing with quirky local incidents.
- Murder by the Glass (Book 5.5): This cozy wine-tasting mystery sits right between Married to Murder and Long Drive to Death. It is a must-read for fans who enjoy Verity's passion for Merlot, as she is trapped at a wine-tasting weekend where a guest is killed.
Detailed Book Breakdown
Strictly Murder (2012)
Verity Long's house hunt in the fictional English town of Crofterton turns disastrous when she discovers a celebrity's body in a master bedroom. She is quickly drawn into the competitive and dangerous world of a television dance show.
Organized Murder (2012)
When the local church organist meets a grim fate, Verity steps in to investigate. The case involves local amateur dramatic players, small-town gossips, and hidden rivalries.
A Novel Way to Die (2013)
A fun novella that finds Verity dealing with the comedic hazards of working as a personal assistant to a famous crime writer, all while stumbling into another peculiar mystery.
Scouting For Murder (2013)
Verity finds herself investigating suspicious goings-on tied to a local scout group, uncovering secrets buried deep within the Crofterton community.
Married to Murder (2014)
Wedding bells and murder collide. Verity has to untangle a web of secrets surrounding a local marriage, matching wits with suspects who all have something to hide.
Murder by the Glass (2015)
During what was supposed to be a relaxing wine-tasting weekend, a fellow guest is murdered. Verity has to use her keen nose to sniff out the killer before the weekend ends.
Long Drive to Death (2015)
Transitioning into her role as a part-time cold case researcher, Verity takes on a 20-year-old mystery involving a body found in a burnt-out car, proving that old secrets are just as dangerous as fresh ones.
Long Cold Death (2016)
Verity digs into another freezing cold case, navigating historical town secrets and icy local reception to find a killer who thought they got away with the perfect crime.
Long Deathly Christmas (2016)
A festive cozy mystery where holiday cheer is interrupted by a grim discovery. Verity must balance holiday traditions, her relationship with Jerry, and a clever culprit.
Long Tramp to Murder (2017)
Verity's investigations lead her to explore the outskirts of Crofterton, unraveling a mystery involving a local wanderer and a web of long-hidden village disputes.
An Appetite For Murder (2018)
The final mystery of the series combines culinary delights and dark deeds, forcing Verity to solve a complex puzzle where food and fatal intentions mix.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving in, here are a few elements that define Lynda Wilcox's series:
- The British Cozy Vibe: The series is set in Crofterton, a fictional English town. Expect nosey neighbors, village fetes, parish churches, and garden centers.
- The Comedy Touch: Lynda Wilcox's writing career began with pantomime scripts and radio comedy sketches. This background infuses the series with witty banter, lighthearted tone, and sharp dialogue.
- Romance Subplot: The slow-burn romance between Verity and Detective Inspector Jerry Farish adds a layer of continuity and emotional stakes that makes reading in order highly rewarding.