Alex Erickson Books in Order

Where to Start with Alex Erickson

If you are new to Alex Erickson's cozy, pet-friendly mystery worlds, the absolute best place to start is with his debut novel, Death by Coffee. This book introduces readers to Krissy Hancock and kicks off his longest-running and most popular series, the Bookstore Café Mysteries. Starting here allows you to experience Erickson's signature blend of witty humor, small-town secrets, and lighthearted amateur sleuthing that defines his writing style.

For readers who prefer animal-centric mysteries over coffee shop settings, the Furever Pets Mystery series is an excellent alternative starting point. If you want a modern twist combining wellness culture and feline friends, the Cat Yoga Mystery series offers a fresh setup with the same engaging pacing. Whichever path you choose, Erickson's books are designed to be accessible and highly entertaining, making them perfect cozy reads.

The Bookstore Café Mystery Series

Set in the quaint, fictional town of Pine Hills, Ohio, this beloved series follows Krissy Hancock, an amateur sleuth who co-runs a bookstore-café appropriately named Death by Coffee alongside her best friend, Vicki. The business's name is inspired by a mystery novel written by Krissy's own father, adding a fun meta-fictional layer to the series. The town of Pine Hills seems to attract an unusual number of murders, and Krissy's persistent curiosity and tendency to stumble into clues keep her at the center of every investigation.

While each book features a self-contained murder mystery that is fully resolved by the final page, reading the series in publication order is highly recommended. Doing so allows you to follow the overarching character arcs, including Krissy's evolving romantic interests, her business trials, and her interactions with the recurring townspeople and her mischievous cats, Misfit and Trouble.

Bookstore Café Mystery Reading Order

1. Death by Coffee (2015) - Krissy Hancock moves to Pine Hills and opens the bookstore-café, only for a customer to drop dead from a suspicious peanut allergy.
2. Death by Tea (2015) - A local book club meeting takes a deadly turn, forcing Krissy to sift through neighborhood gossip to find a killer.
3. Death By Pumpkin Spice (2016) - Autumn brings seasonal drinks and a murder at the local harvest festival.
4. Death by Vanilla Latte (2017) - When a rival business owner is killed, Krissy must clear her own name after becoming the prime suspect.
5. Death by Eggnog (2017) - A festive holiday gathering turns sour when a prominent Pine Hills citizen is murdered.
6. Death by Espresso (2018) - Krissy investigates a murder tied to a local theatrical production.
7. Death by Café Mocha (2019) - The local historical society becomes the center of a deadly dispute.
8. Death by French Roast (2020) - An old cold case is reopened, forcing Krissy to dig into Pine Hills' long-buried secrets.
9. Death by Hot Apple Cider (2021) - A fall orchard outing leads to the discovery of a body.
10. Death by Hot Cocoa (2022) - Originally published as a novella, this winter mystery sees Krissy investigating a murder in a holiday escape room.
11. Death by Spiced Chai (2022) - Krissy is caught in a web of deceit when a local health food advocate is found dead.
12. Death by Iced Coffee (2023) - Summer heat waves and a pool-side murder keep Krissy busy during the off-season.
13. Death by Peppermint Cappuccino (2023) - A winter wonderland setting turns deadly just before the holidays.
14. Death by Caramel Macchiato (2024) - The local art community becomes the backdrop for a creative killer.

Chronological Caveats: The Case of "Death by Hot Cocoa"

For readers who want strict chronological alignment, there is a minor publishing caveat. The novella Death by Hot Cocoa was originally published in 2019 as part of the multi-author holiday anthology Christmas Cocoa Murder. However, it was not released as a standalone digital title until 2022. Because of this, it is officially listed as Book 10 in many publication catalogs, but chronologically, the events take place between Death by Café Mocha (Book 7) and Death by French Roast (Book 8). It is often designated by fans as Book 7.5. Reading it out of order won't ruin the main series, but reading it between books 7 and 8 provides the smootxshest timeline progression.

The Furever Pets Mystery Series

In 2020, Erickson introduced a new cozy mystery setting centered on Liz Denton and her son, Ben. Together, they run Furever Pets, a dedicated animal rescue organization. The rescue setting serves as a brilliant narrative device: as Liz visits different homes to conduct pet adoption checks, she gains a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the private lives, conflicts, and hidden secrets of the townspeople.

This series blends a love for animals with traditional cozy detective work, as Liz fights to protect both vulnerable animals and her own family when they are accused of crimes they didn't commit.

1. The Pomeranian Always Barks Twice (2020) - Liz and Ben try to place a Pomeranian named Stewie with a new owner, only to find their client murdered and Ben suspected of the crime.
2. Dial 'M' for Maine Coon (2021) - A routine adoption event goes awry when a prospective adopter is found dead, uncovering an old cold case involving a missing woman.

Additionally, Erickson contributed the short story "Howl-O-Ween" to the 2023 charity collection Instinct: An Animal Rescuers Anthology. This short story is set within the Furever Pets universe and features Liz Denton, making it a delightful companion piece for fans of the series.

The Cat Yoga Mystery Series

Erickson's newest venture, launched in 2024, introduces readers to the Cat Yoga Mystery series. The story follows Ashley "Ash" Branson, a young entrepreneur who steps away from her family's design firm to open A Purrfect Pose, a trendy yoga studio located in Cardinal Lake that features adoptable shelter cats.

When a murder occurs inside the studio and the local police chief targets Ash's brother, Hunter, Ash must use her sharp observational skills to find the real killer before her new business—and her family's reputation—is ruined.

1. A Pose Before Dying (2024) - Ash's dream studio opening turns into a nightmare when a student is murdered on a yoga mat.
2. A Purrfect Date (2025) - A romantic outing turns deadly, embroiling Ash and her feline assistants in another high-stakes investigation.

What to Know Before You Start

Alex Erickson's cozy mysteries are characterized by their light, breezy tone, witty banter, and recurring animal sidekicks. Unlike gritty thrillers, these books focus on the puzzle of the mystery and the warmth of the community. They are perfect for readers who enjoy cozy staples like local cafes, small-town drama, and pets with big personalities. While the mysteries themselves are solved in each book, the personal lives of the protagonists carry over, so starting with the first book of any of the three series is highly recommended to get the full enjoyment of the character development.