How to Read A.L. Herbert's Books
For readers looking to dive into the savory, suspenseful world of A.L. Herbert, the recommended reading path is simple and direct: follow the publication order. Because the series features ongoing character development, relationship growth, and business milestones for the central protagonist, reading the books in sequence ensures you get the full flavor of the narrative without any spoilers.
A.L. Herbert is the pen name of author Patrick Sanchez, who transitioned from writing chick-lit under his own name to crafting cozy culinary whodunits under this pseudonym. The Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery series is set in Prince George's County, Maryland, and stars Halia Watkins, a hardworking, sharp-witted owner of the Sweet Tea restaurant. Assisted by her hilarious, outspoken cousin Wavonne, Halia frequently finds herself serving up justice alongside her signature Southern comfort food.
Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mysteries in Order
Here is the complete list of A.L. Herbert's novels in their recommended reading and publication order:
- Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles (2015) — The debut novel that introduces readers to Halia Watkins, the Sweet Tea restaurant, and her cousin Wavonne. Halia must clear her own name when her untrustworthy business partner is found dead near her kitchen.
- Murder with Macaroni and Cheese (2016) — Halia is hired to cater her old high school reunion, but the event turns deadly when a former classmate falls to their death, prompting a new investigation.
- Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce (2019) — When a local beauty salon owner is murdered, Halia and Wavonne team up to sift through neighborhood gossip and secrets to find the culprit.
- Murder with Honey Ham Biscuits (2020) — The holiday season turns chaotic when a local mall Santa is found murdered, and Halia has to untangle a web of secrets to save Christmas and her business.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you place your order at the Sweet Tea restaurant, here are a few practical tips to enhance your reading experience:
1. Don't Skip the Recipes
Every book in the series features authentic, mouth-watering Southern recipes at the end of chapters or at the back of the book. From Halia's famous Sweet Tea to Sour Cream Corn Bread, these culinary additions are a core part of the series' charm. Many readers recommend having snacks on hand, as the vivid food descriptions are guaranteed to make you hungry.
2. The Importance of Character Continuity
While the murder mystery in each book is resolved by the final page, the personal lives of Halia, Wavonne, and the secondary cast evolve continuously. Major milestones, including Halia's romantic interests, Wavonne's career changes, and the restaurant's local reputation, build from one book to the next. Reading them out of order will spoil these character arcs.
3. The Pen Name Behind the Series
Understanding the author's background adds context to the series. Patrick Sanchez wrote several popular contemporary novels in the 2000s under his real name. He adopted the pseudonym A.L. Herbert specifically to write cozy mysteries with a diverse, predominantly African-American cast, bringing representation and fresh cultural flavor to a genre that has historically lacked diversity.
Patrick Sanchez's Chick-Lit Books (Written under his real name)
If you enjoy the sassy dialogue and character dynamics of A.L. Herbert, you might also enjoy the contemporary fiction written under the author's real name, Patrick Sanchez. These novels focus on friendship, modern life struggles, and humor:
- Girlfriends (2001)
- The Way It Is (2003)
- Tight (2006)
- Once Upon a Nervous Breakdown (2007)