Books On Board

Witches of Keyhole Lake Books in Order

  • 23 Books
  • 2017 – 2023 Published

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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the chronological order of the series. While most of the main mysteries are resolved in each book, the relationships, town dynamics, and overarching character arcs build directly from one story to the next. Start with Sweet Murder to meet Noelle Flynn and get introduced to the quirky town of Keyhole Lake.

  1. Sweet Murder (Book 1) - 2017
  2. Cruise Ship Caper (Novella, Book 1.5) - 2019
  3. Murder to the Max (Book 2) - 2017
  4. Bubble, Bubble, Here Comes Trouble (Novella, Book 2.5) - 2017
  5. Murder So Magical (Book 3) - 2018
  6. Mayhem and Murder (Book 4) - 2018
  7. Witching for a Miracle (Novella, Book 4.1 / Side Story) - 2018
  8. Moonshine Valentine (Novella, Book 4.5) - 2018
  9. Murder and Marinade (Book 5) - 2018
  10. Hook, Line, and Murder (Book 6) - 2018
  11. Murder of the Month (Book 7) - 2018
  12. Makeovers and Murder (Book 8) - 2019
  13. Southern Fried Murder (Book 9) - 2019
  14. Murder in the Mansion (Book 10) - 2019
  15. Mudflaps and Murder (Book 11) - 2020
  16. Murder without Mercy (Book 12) - 2020
  17. Murder at Midnight (Book 13) - 2020
  18. Murder in the Mountains (Book 14) - 2021
  19. Marriage is Murder (Book 15) - 2021
  20. Magnolias and Murder (Book 16) - 2023
  21. Mochas and Murder (Book 17) - 2023
  22. Memaws and Murder (Book 18) - 2024
  23. Motions and Murder (Book 19) - 2025
  24. Magic and Murder (Book 20) - 2026

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Tegan Maher generally publishes the books in chronological sequence, but there are a few exceptions regarding prequels and side-story novellas:

  • Grace's Grimoire (Book 0.5): Published in 2025, this is a historical prequel set in 1832 Salem that traces the origin of the Flynn family. While it is chronologically first, it is best read after you are already familiar with the modern cast of Keyhole Lake.
  • Cruise Ship Caper (Novella): While published in 2019 (around the release of Book 8), this novella chronologically takes place immediately after the events of Sweet Murder (Book 1) when Noelle goes on a cruise.

What to Know Before You Start

The series centers on Noelle Flynn, a witch living in the fictional town of Keyhole Lake in the Southern United States. She is supported by a colorful cast of characters including her sister Shelby, best friend Raeann, and Sheriff Hunter. The supernatural elements are a core part of the town's charm, featuring ghosts (like Aunt Addy) and Max, a talking, cursed donkey who assists Noelle with her investigations. The tone is lighthearted, funny, and deeply cozy, focusing heavily on themes of community, family, and found friendships.

Spin-Offs and the Shared Universe

While there is no direct spin-off series exclusively set in Keyhole Lake, Tegan Maher has created a shared paranormal universe. Her other series, including the Cori Sloane Witch Mysteries, exist in this same world. Characters occasionally cross paths, notably in holiday anthologies like Hexes and Holly (which includes the crossover story "Angels, Eggnog, and Murder") and the crossover novella Stealing Christmas, where characters travel to visit the Enchanted Coast Resort.

Frequently Asked

Where is the best place to start reading the Witches of Keyhole Lake series?

The best starting point is the first novel, Sweet Murder. While the prequel novella Grace's Grimoire takes place first chronologically, starting with the first published book introduces you to the characters and setting in the way the author intended.

Are the Witches of Keyhole Lake books standalones?

Each book features a self-contained murder mystery that is resolved by the end. However, the character development, romance, and overarching plotlines progress throughout the series, so they are best read in order.

How do the novellas fit into the reading order?

Novellas like Cruise Ship Caper and Bubble, Bubble, Here Comes Trouble are short side stories that fit between the main novels. The chronological guide highlights exactly where to insert them for maximum continuity.

Is there a spin-off or crossover series?

Yes, Tegan Maher's Cori Sloane Witch Mysteries and Enchanted Coast series are set in the same universe. Crossover stories like Stealing Christmas and holiday anthologies bring the characters together.

Who is the main character in the series?

The series follows Noelle Flynn, a witch living in the quirky Southern town of Keyhole Lake who uses her magical abilities to help solve local crimes alongside a talking donkey and resident ghosts.

How many books are in the Witches of Keyhole Lake series?

As of 2026, the series includes 20 main novels plus several companion novellas and short stories.