Amy Corwin Books in Order

Where Should You Start Reading Amy Corwin's Books?

If you are new to Amy Corwin's historical mysteries and sweet romances, your best starting point depends entirely on what kind of story you are in the mood for. Because she writes across a few distinct but occasionally overlapping series, you have two primary entry points that represent the best of her storytelling styles.

For Romantic Mystery Fans (Recommended Start): Start with The Vital Principle, the first book in the Second Sons Inquiry Agency series. This book introduces Knighton Gaunt and Prudence Barnard, setting a delightful tone of witty investigations, clean historical romance, and clever drawing-room sleuthing. It is the perfect showcase of Corwin's technical precision and love for classic whodunits.

For Humorous Regency Romance Fans: Start with The Necklace, which serves as the prequel (Book 0.5) to the Archer Family series. This series is much lighter, features the hilarious matchmaker John Archer, and revolves around a cursed family heirloom. While you can dive straight into the first full novel, The Unwanted Heiress (also published under the title I Bid One American), starting with the prequel novella gives you a quick, delightful taste of the family's antics.

The Shared Universe: Second Sons and Archer Family Connections

One of the most satisfying elements of Amy Corwin's bibliography is that her two major historical series share a connected universe. The Second Sons Inquiry Agency books and the Archer Family romances occupy the same timeline, and characters frequently cross over between them.

However, they have distinctly different styles, and readers should know what to expect before jumping between them:

• Second Sons Inquiry Agency Series: These books are true historical mysteries set between 1810 and 1850. They feature serious investigative plots, procedural details, and a slightly darker, more suspenseful tone, though they still feature a sweet romance thread.
• Archer Family Series: Set in the Regency and early Victorian periods, these books lean heavily into humor and romance. The mysteries are present but serve as backdrops to the romantic misadventures of the Archer family, guided by the matchmaker John Archer.

Inquiry agents from the Second Sons agency make frequent guest appearances in the Archer Family novels. Despite these crossovers, you do not need to read both series in a strict chronological hybrid order. Each novel stands perfectly well on its own, allowing you to finish one series before jumping to the other.

Publication Order of the Archer Family Series

The Archer Family series follows a charming family dealing with cursed heirlooms, matchmaking schemes, and romantic misunderstandings. Note that some books were released under multiple titles; both names are listed below to help you identify them on bookshelves.

1. The Necklace (2010) - Note: Although published after the first two books, this prequel novella (Book 0.5) explains the origins of the cursed Peckham necklace.
2. The Unwanted Heiress / I Bid One American (2008)
3. The Bricklayer's Helper / A Lady in Hiding (2010)
4. The Earl's Masquerade / Escaping Notice (2012)
5. A Stolen Rose (2015)
6. Fencing for Ladies / En Garde, My Love (2016)
7. Love Across the Pond (2016)
8. Lady Victoria's Mistake (2017)

Publication Order of the Second Sons Inquiry Agency Series

For readers who prefer a heavier dose of suspense, murder mystery, and drawing-room investigations, this series is the main attraction. Follow the official publication order for the best experience as the characters' relationships develop.

1. The Vital Principle (2011)
2. A Rose Before Dying (2011)
3. The Dead Man's View (2013)
4. The Illusion of Desire (2014)
5. Honeymoon with Death (2015)

The Stainton Sisters Series

If you prefer clean, sweet, and wholesome Regency romance with minimal mystery elements, the Stainton Sisters trilogy is a quick and satisfying read. Each book focuses on a different sister trying to find happiness amidst societal pressures.

1. One Last Promise (2018) - Martha's story
2. A Debt Paid (2018) - Dorothy's story
3. Love Lost (2018) - Grace's story

The Redemption Paranormal Series

In addition to her historical romances, Amy Corwin has dabbled in paranormal romance featuring vampires. While some lists categorize these as standalone novels, they are actually part of the Redemption series and should be read in order:

1. Vampire Protector (2010) - Also known as My Vampire Bodyguard
2. A Fall of Silver (2013)

Amy Corwin's Standalone Novels

If you are looking for single, self-contained stories, Corwin has written several standalone novels spanning Regency romance, contemporary thrillers, and cozy mysteries. They can be read in any order at any time.

• Smuggled Rose (2007)
• Love, The Critic (2010)
• Christmas Spirit (2011)
• Whacked! (2012)
• Month of Judgment (2014)
• Deadly Inheritance (2015)
• All She Loves (2016)
• Wreck and Ruin (2018)
• When Night Comes (2021)

Short Stories, Novellas, and Anthologies

These shorter works provide quick glimpses into Corwin's worlds, with some connecting to her main series and others serving as festive holiday tales.

Standalone Novellas & Short Stories

• Outrageous Behavior (2009)
• Silence is Concurrence (2010)
• The Thief (2015)
• The Lady and the Cowboy (2015)
• Flashes (2016)

Anthology Appearances

• A Cotillion Country Christmas (2008)
• A Lord's Kiss (2020)
• Murder Most Historical (2022)

What to Know Before You Start

Readers should keep in mind that Amy Corwin often updates and retitles her books for newer editions. For example, The Unwanted Heiress is identical to I Bid One American, and The Bricklayer's Helper is the same story as A Lady in Hiding. Double-check your e-reader descriptions so you do not accidentally purchase the same story twice!

Additionally, her writing blends her real-life hobbies. As an avid birdwatcher and award-winning rose gardener, you will notice detailed floral motifs (especially roses) and naturalistic descriptions of birds and gardens throughout her books, particularly in A Rose Before Dying and A Stolen Rose, which adds a lovely layer of authentic historical texture to her settings.