Where to Start Reading Ang Pompano
For readers diving into Ang Pompano's crime fiction, the best place to start depends on the subgenre of mystery you prefer. If you love traditional private investigator stories with a touch of Southern grit, emotional depth, and family secrets, you should start with his award-nominated debut novel, When It's Time for Leaving (2019). This book kicks off the Blue Palmetto Detective Agency series and showcases the author's ability to blend classic detective tropes with complex character development.
On the other hand, if you prefer lighthearted, culinary-themed cozy mysteries with plenty of humor and culinary missteps, your ideal starting point is Diet of Death (2020), which introduces the Reluctant Food Columnist series. Both entry points offer distinct atmospheres—shifting from the historic streets of Savannah, Georgia, to the culinary secrets of the food world—but they share Pompano's trademark precise prose and engaging puzzles.
The Blue Palmetto Detective Agency Series
This series represents Ang Pompano's core detective fiction, blending police procedural elements with a classic PI setup. The stories follow Al DeLucia (referred to as Al DeSantis in early editions and promotional materials), a retired New Haven police officer who relocates to Savannah, Georgia. Upon his arrival, Al takes over the Blue Palmetto Detective Agency, a business left behind by his estranged father, forcing him to navigate both local crimes and his own complicated family history.
- When It's Time for Leaving (2019) – Al DeSantis moves to Savannah, Georgia, to take over his estranged father's detective agency, only to find himself entangled in a cold case involving family secrets, local corruption, and his own battles with PTSD. This novel was nominated for the Agatha Award for Best First Novel.
- Blood Ties and Deadly Lies (2025) – In this sequel, Al faces an unexpected crisis when a high school nemesis resurfaces claiming to be his brother, backed by DNA evidence. Al must investigate this claim while managing a high-stakes case that threatens his agency and his peace of mind.
The Reluctant Food Columnist Series
For fans of cozy mysteries, Pompano created a highly entertaining culinary series centered around Quincy Lazzaro. Quincy is a writer who is completely incompetent in the kitchen but somehow lands the role of being the face of the popular 'Cooking with Betty' magazine column. To survive the job without exposing his lack of skills, he secretly relies on his eighty-year-old neighbor, Mary Ticarelli, to supply the recipes. The series offers a fun, fast-paced look at a writer trying to protect his secret while getting caught up in murder investigations.
- Diet of Death (2020) – Quincy's secret is threatened when he is pressured into a high-profile, face-to-face interview. Matters turn deadly when a prominent diet guru, Dr. Alan Tolzer, is murdered, and Quincy has to solve the crime to protect his ghostwriting arrangement.
Standalone Novels: Retro Coming-of-Age
Before launching his major mystery series, Pompano penned a standalone coming-of-age novel that captures a nostalgic, retro atmosphere. This book shows a different side of his storytelling, focusing on character choices and relationship dynamics in a historical setting.
- The Sanibel Slouch (2010) – Set in the 1970s, this novel follows Jack Esposito as he drives a woman named Maggie—who is twice his age and a friend of his parents—down to Florida for a job. The road trip and subsequent events on Sanibel Island force Jack into tough choices, making it a nostalgic look at love, growing up, and life-changing decisions.
Anthologies and Edited Collections
Ang Pompano is a highly active figure in the New England crime writing community and has contributed many short stories to various anthologies. He is also a co-founder of Crime Spell Books, an independent press dedicated to promoting mystery voices from the New England region. His short stories and edited anthologies are excellent for readers who enjoy bite-sized mysteries.
- Malice Domestic 14: Mystery Most Edible (2019) – This anthology contains the original short story version of 'Diet of Death', which served as the inspiration and precursor for the Quincy Lazzaro novel.
- Seascape: The Best New England Crime Stories 2019 – Features Pompano's highly regarded short story 'Stringer', set along the New England coast.
- Bloodroot: Best New England Crime Stories 2021 – Co-edited by Ang Pompano, showcasing a curated collection of suspenseful tales from New England writers.
- Devil’s Snare: Best New England Crime Stories 2024 – Another major regional anthology co-edited by Pompano, containing 24 mysteries.
- Snakeberry: Best New England Crime Stories 2025 – His continued work as co-editor, compiling fresh regional crime fiction.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because Ang Pompano's series are written in straightforward, linear fashion, there is no complex timeline manipulation required. Chronological order matches the publication order exactly. Readers should follow the publication sequence for each series to watch the characters grow and see their relationships naturally evolve.
Blue Palmetto Detective Agency Reading Order
- When It's Time for Leaving (2019)
- Blood Ties and Deadly Lies (2025)
Reluctant Food Columnist Reading Order
- Diet of Death (Short Story in Malice Domestic 14) (2019)
- Diet of Death (Novel) (2020)
What to Know Before You Start
Ang Pompano's writing style is heavily influenced by traditional mystery pacing, emphasizing character development and setting. His prose is sparse and clean, leaving room for readers to piece together the clues alongside the protagonists. While the author resides in Connecticut and heavily supports the New England writing community, his novels are primarily set in sun-drenched coastal settings, including the historic streets of Savannah, Georgia, and the beaches of Sanibel Island, Florida. This contrast gives his books a distinct flavor, combining cozy, character-driven mystery tropes with scenic, evocative locations.