Where Should You Start Reading?
Abby L. Vandiver has penned over thirty novels spanning cozy mysteries, science fiction, and women's fiction. Because she writes under multiple pen names and across multiple genres, readers often wonder where they should begin. Here are the two best starting paths depending on your taste:
- For Cozy Mystery Fans (As Abby Collette): Start with the Ice Cream Parlor Mystery series, beginning with A Deadly Inside Scoop (2020). This is her most widely celebrated cozy mystery series, featuring a heartwarming family-run dessert shop and clever small-town sleuthing.
- For Sci-Fi and Alternative History Fans (As Abby L. Vandiver): Start with her debut series, the Mars Origin trilogy, beginning with In the Beginning (2013). This series offers an intriguing intellectual mystery with science fiction elements.
The Ice Cream Parlor Mystery Series (as Abby Collette)
Writing under the pseudonym Abby Collette, the author introduces readers to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where Bronwyn Crewse has just returned home to manage her family's ice cream shop. The books should be read in chronological publication order to follow Bronwyn's personal growth and ongoing family dynamics.
- A Deadly Inside Scoop (2020)
- A Game of Cones (2021)
- A Killer Sundae (2022)
Books & Biscuits Mystery Series (as Abby Collette)
Also written under her Abby Collette pen name, this cozy series takes place in a bookstore-and-bakery hybrid in a small town. Follow business owners and best friends as they solve local crimes. They are best read in order of release:
- Body and Soul Food (2021)
- Soul of a Killer (2022)
Logan Dickerson Cozy Mystery Series (as Abby L. Vandiver)
This series features archaeologist Logan Dickerson, who teams up with a spunky 90-year-old Voodoo herbalist to solve mysteries. It is a lighthearted, character-driven series that must be read in publication order to appreciate the evolving relationship between the main characters:
- Bed & Breakfast Bedlam (2015)
- Coastal Cottage Calamity (2015)
- Maya Mound Mayhem (2015)
- Food Fair Frenzy (2016)
- Garden Gazebo Gallivant (2016)
- South Seas Shenanigans (2017)
Romaine Wilder Mystery Series (as Abby L. Vandiver)
Set in East Texas, this series features medical examiner Romaine Wilder and her Aunt Robby. It blends traditional mystery elements with humor and Texas charm. Read them in the following order:
- Secrets, Lies, & Crawfish Pies (2018)
- Love, Hopes, & Marriage Tropes (2018)
- Potions, Tells, & Deadly Spells (2019)
Mars Origin Series (as Abby L. Vandiver)
Vandiver's debut series is a departure from her later cozy mysteries, leaning heavily into science fiction and alternative history. It explores what-if scenarios regarding human origins and ancient manuscripts. The trilogy should be read in order:
- In the Beginning (2013)
- Irrefutable Proof (2014)
- Incarnate (2014)
Other Cozy Mystery Series
Vandiver has also published smaller cozy mystery series that can be read quickly as fun, bite-sized companion pieces to her main works.
Tiny House Cozy Mysteries
This series revolves around tiny house living and features protagonist Nixie Culpepper:
- A Tiny Collierville Murder (2017)
- A Merry Branson Murder (2017)
Normal Junction Series
Another cozy mystery series set in a quirky locale:
- Witch's Wheel (2017)
- Angel Angst (2017)
What to Know Before You Start
Abby L. Vandiver is a hybrid author, meaning she has self-published over twenty books while also partnering with major publishers like Henery Press and Penguin Berkley. Because of this, some of her earlier self-published cozy series (like Logan Dickerson or Tiny House) may have different availability formats compared to her traditional print-run series under Penguin Berkley (like Ice Cream Parlor Mysteries).
Additionally, she writes realistic women's fiction under the name Cade Bentley (such as the novel Where Wild Peaches Grow, published in 2022) and has co-written historical/women's fiction under the collaborative pen name Kathryn Longino. These titles are standalones and separate from her mystery series universes.