Where to Start with Angela Pepper’s Books
Angela Pepper has built a massive following by blending small-town mystery, eccentric characters, and warm humor. Because her books span multiple styles—ranging from laugh-out-loud paranormal cozy mysteries to grounded, non-supernatural whodunits—your ideal starting point depends on your favorite genre.
The Magical Path: Wisteria Witches Mysteries
If you love witches, magic, spellcasting houses, and supernatural secrets, you should start with Wisteria Witches. This is Angela Pepper's signature series, following the adventures of Zara Riddle as she moves to the mysterious town of Wisteria. It is a lighthearted urban fantasy cozy series that remains her most popular creation, making it the perfect gateway for new readers.
The Real-World Path: Stormy Day Cozy Mysteries
If you prefer classic, non-paranormal cozy mysteries, the best starting point is Death of a Dapper Snowman, the first book in the Stormy Day Mystery series. Unlike her other famous works, these books feature zero magic, witches, or ghosts. Instead, they focus on a relatable contemporary sleuth solving head-scratching murders in a quirky Pacific Northwest community.
The Wisteria Witches Mysteries Reading Order
Navigating the Wisteria Witches series requires addressing a minor publication anomaly. While database records and initial release dates often place Wicked Wisteria (published in 2016) before Wisteria Witches (published in 2017), the narrative order is different. Wisteria Witches is the official Book 1 of the series and introduces the protagonist Zara Riddle, her librarian background, and her discovery of her family's magical roots. Wicked Wisteria is Book 2, continuing directly where the first book ends.
To follow Zara Riddle's story and character arcs correctly, read the series in this order:
- Wisteria Witches (2017)
- Wicked Wisteria (2016)
- Wisteria Wonders (2017)
- Watchful Wisteria (2017)
- Wisteria Wyverns (2017)
- Wolves of Wisteria (2018)
- Wisteria Wrinkle (2018)
- Wardens of Wisteria (2018)
- Wisteria Warned (2019)
- Wishful Wisteria (2019)
- Wisteria Woven (2020)
- Winter in Wisteria (2020)
- Critter Calamity (2021) - Book 13
- Wisteria Wedding (2022) - Book 14
- Wayward Wisteria (2022) - Book 15
- Wisteria Wildcard (2023) - Book 16
- Wilds of Wisteria (2024) - Book 17
- Wisteria Wisdom (2025) - Book 18
Stormy Day Cozy Mysteries Reading Order
For readers who want to avoid the supernatural and enjoy traditional cozy mysteries, the Stormy Day series is a delightful, fast-paced choice. The protagonist, Stormy Day, finds herself investigating bizarre murders in her small town. These books should be read in chronological publication order:
- Death of a Dapper Snowman (2014)
- Death of a Crafty Knitter (2015)
- Death of a Batty Genius (2015)
- Death of a Modern King (2015)
- Death of a Double Dipper (2017)
Other Cozy and Paranormal Series
Beyond her major series, Angela Pepper has penned several shorter series that explore ghost hunting, historical mysteries, and independent paranormal investigations.
Eli Carter & the Ghost Hackers
This series blends ghost-hunting adventures with cozy mystery conventions. It follows Eli Carter as he investigates paranormal activities alongside tech and quirky animal companions. Read them in this order:
- The Cat Who Went Bump in the Night (2014)
- The Ghost Who Wasn't There (2014)
- The Dog Who Barked Fire (2017)
Restless Spirits of the Southwest
This trilogy of standalone novels features a unique twist: rather than following a recurring cast, each book is a standalone mystery set in a different Southwestern location, linked only by the presence of a restless ghost and a female protagonist who is forced to solve a crime. You can read these in any order, but publication order is as follows:
- Interview with a Ghost (2016)
- Date with a Ghost (2017)
- Dancing with a Ghost (2017)
Diamond Files Mysteries
The Diamond Files series blends humor, mystery, and a touch of romance. It features Abby Silver, a temp secretary with an extraordinary memory, who teams up with detective Derek Diamond and his beagle, Chewie. The entry point is:
- Girl in the Shadows (2016)
Angela Pepper’s Alter Egos
Angela Pepper writes across multiple genres using pen names to help readers find the right tone. For readers who enjoy psychological suspense or light romantic comedies, these alter egos are worth exploring:
Gia Pere (Domestic Thrillers)
Under the pen name Gia Pere, the author writes twisty domestic thrillers that focus on family secrets, psychological games, and suspenseful drama. These books are darker than her cozy mysteries and should be read in this order:
- Her Sister's Friends (2021)
- His Last Wife (2022)
Angie Pepper (Romantic Comedies)
Using the pen name Angie Pepper, she writes upbeat, contemporary romantic comedies. These stories emphasize humor, relationship drama, and lighthearted fun, steering away from the mystery and magic of her primary books.
What to Know Before You Start
While Angela Pepper has indicated that many of her novels can function as standalones, starting at the beginning of a series is highly recommended to appreciate the character growth, recurring subplots, and expanding lore. Her stories are heavily influenced by her home in the Pacific Northwest, bringing a damp, cozy, and atmospheric vibe to the settings. Finally, note that while the Wisteria Witches and Stormy Day series share an author, they are set in separate universes with no official crossovers, allowing you to enjoy one without needing to know the other.