Start Here: The Recommended Reading Path
For readers diving into Andrea Penrose's work, the absolute best starting point is her signature historical mystery series, Wrexford & Sloane. Set in the gritty and glamorous streets of Regency London, this series combines science, art, social class divides, and slow-burn partnership into compelling whodunits. You should start with the first novel, Murder on Black Swan Lane, as the personal relationships and overarching subplots develop significantly across the books.
If you prefer a mystery series with a strong culinary twist and high-stakes international intrigue, your second stop should be the Lady Arianna Hadley Mystery series, starting with Sweet Revenge. For readers more interested in romance than murder, Penrose’s extensive catalog of Regency romance novels written under her pseudonyms Andrea Pickens and Cara Elliott offers everything from traditional, sweet courtships to steamier historical romance trilogies.
The Wrexford & Sloane Mystery Series
This flagship series follows the cynical Earl of Wrexford and the independent, fiercely talented artist Charlotte Sloane (who secretly drafts satirical cartoons under the pen name A.J. Quill). Together with a charming cast of street urchins, scientists, and high-society allies, they tackle murders that intersect with the technological and scientific breakthroughs of the early 19th century. This series must be read in publication order to appreciate the character growth and central relationship evolution.
- Murder on Black Swan Lane (2017)
- Murder at Half Moon Gate (2018)
- Murder at Kensington Palace (2019)
- Murder at Queen's Landing (2020)
- Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens (2021)
- Murder at the Serpentine Bridge (2022)
- Murder at the Merton Library (2023)
- Murder at King’s Crossing (2024)
- Murder at Somerset House (2025)
- Murder on Threadneedle Street (Expected Fall 2026)
The Lady Arianna Hadley Mystery Series
Lady Arianna Hadley is a disgraced nobleman's daughter who returns from exile disguised as a chef, using chocolate-making skills to find the person who framed her father. This series blends culinary details, political espionage, and a slow-burn alliance with the brilliant Lord Saybrook. The chronological order matches the publication order, with one minor caveat: the novella The Stolen Letters is numbered as Book 3.5 and should be read between the third and fourth novels to maintain perfect continuity.
- Sweet Revenge (2011)
- The Cocoa Conspiracy (2011)
- Recipe for Treason (2012)
- The Stolen Letters (2017 - Novella #3.5)
- Smoke & Lies (2018)
- A Question of Numbers (2019)
- A Tangle of Serpents (2020)
- A Swirl of Shadows (2022)
- The Thunder of Stones (2024)
- The Price of Paradise (2026)
Traditional Regency Romances (As Andrea Pickens)
Before launching her mystery series, Penrose established herself as a prolific writer of traditional Regency romances under her pseudonym Andrea Pickens. These novels are characterized by witty banter, emotional depth, and a focus on character growth over explicit intimacy. Many of these are structured into mini-series and trilogies that can be read independently.
Intrepid Heroines Series
- Code of Honor (1998)
- The Hired Hero (1999)
- A Lady of Letters (2000)
- A Stroke of Luck (2003)
- Pistols at Dawn (2014)
Lessons In Love Series
- The Defiant Governess (1997)
- Second Chances (2000)
- The Storybook Hero (2002)
Scandalous Secrets Series
- The Major's Mistake (2000)
- A Lady of Letters (2000 - note: this title overlaps with the Intrepid Heroines series in some catalogs)
- The Banished Bride (2002)
Merlin's Maidens Series
- The Spy Wore Silk (2007)
- Seduced by a Spy (2008)
- The Scarlet Spy (2008)
Dangerous Liaisons Series
- A Diamond in the Rough (2001)
- Sweeter Than Sin (2014)
- Devil May Care (2015)
Slinkier Regency Romances (As Cara Elliott)
Under the pen name Cara Elliott, the author released historical romances that are generally described as sexier, swifter-paced, and more sensual than her traditional Andrea Pickens romances. If you want more romance with a slightly steamier edge, these trilogies are highly recommended.
Circle Of Sin Series
- To Sin with a Scoundrel (2010)
- To Surrender to a Rogue (2010)
- To Tempt a Rake (2011)
Lords Of Midnight Series
- Too Wicked to Wed (2011)
- Too Tempting to Resist (2012)
- Too Dangerous to Desire (2012)
Hellions Of High Street Series
- Scandalously Yours (2014)
- Sinfully Yours (2014)
- Passionately Yours (2014)
Standalone Novels and Anthologies
In addition to her series work, the author has penned several standalone novels (including early releases under the name Andrea DaRif) and contributed to festive holiday anthologies.
Standalone Novels
- The Tiger's Mistress (2003 - As Andrea DaRif)
- A Kiss of Spice (2004 - As Andrea DaRif)
- The Diamond of London (2024 - As Andrea Penrose)
Short Story Collections & Anthologies
- Regency Christmas Courtship (2005 - Anthology)
- Truly, Madly, Regency (2014 - Anthology)
- Christmas By Candlelight (2016 - Short Story Collection)
- Just One Kiss Away (2024 - Anthology)
What to Know Before You Start
The author's mysteries stand out because they do not just use Regency London as a simple backdrop; they actively engage with the historical realities of the era. The Wrexford & Sloane books place heavy emphasis on scientific history—such as early engineering, botany, printing presses, and medical discoveries. Meanwhile, the Lady Arianna Hadley books weave details about chocolate production, trade history, and chemistry directly into the plots. While individual mystery plots are resolved in each book, the character dynamics, romantic tension, and domestic storylines carry over continuously, making sequential reading highly recommended for the best experience.