Where to Start Reading A.R. Kennedy
A.R. Kennedy's bibliography divides neatly into two distinct mystery experiences: gritty detective romance/suspense and lighthearted, globetrotting cozy mysteries. Depending on your mood, you can start in one of two places:
- For romantic suspense and police procedurals: Start with Gone… But Not Missed, the debut novel in the Nathan Miccoli Mystery series. This series features a single, overarching narrative arc following a kidnapping survivor and an NYPD detective, making it essential to read them strictly in order.
- For international escapades and light investigations: Start with Sleuth on Safari, the first book in the Traveler Cozy Mystery series. This series offers self-contained mysteries set in exotic locations, though reading them in order lets you enjoy the natural evolution of the amateur sleuth Naomi's personal life.
The Nathan Miccoli Mystery Series
Set primarily in New York, the Nathan Miccoli series blends mystery, police procedural elements, and emotional relationship drama. The narrative kicks off with detective Nathan Miccoli investigating the kidnapping of Lillian 'Lily' Brannon. Unlike many procedural series where each book features a brand-new crime and reset status quo, this series is heavily serialized. The ongoing trauma, romantic tension, and lingering questions about Lily's kidnapping carry over directly from one book to the next.
We recommend reading the Nathan Miccoli books in their strict publication order:
- Gone But Not Missed (2013) – Nathan investigates the mysterious disappearance of Lillian Brannon, introducing her loyal dog Laude.
- Gone But Not Goodbye (2014) – Lily copes with the aftermath of her kidnapping while Nathan works a robbery case and deals with NYPD department politics.
- Gone But Not Healed (2014) – Lily faces a major relationship decision while Nathan becomes fixated on a deeply personal investigation.
- Gone But Not Together (2015) – The relationship between Lily and Nathan is tested further as secrets and external threats push them apart.
- Gone But Not Calm (2015) – A shorter novella that bridges key character developments and emotional resolutions within the series.
- Gone But Not Free (2016) – Nathan and Lily must confront unresolved trauma as the dark shadows of the past threaten their safety again.
- Gone But Not Over (2018) – The stakes rise as the long-term consequences of the original kidnapping case head toward a dramatic turning point.
- Gone But Not Told (2019) – The eighth entry which ties up lingering loose ends and provides closure to the central character arcs.
The Traveler Cozy Mystery Series
If you prefer a lighter tone, the Traveler Cozy Mystery series is a perfect escape. The books follow Naomi, an avid globetrotter who finds herself solving murders in different iconic international destinations. These mysteries are highly atmospheric, drawing on A.R. Kennedy's own extensive travels and offering readers a virtual vacation alongside a fun puzzle.
While each book features a self-contained whodunit that is fully resolved, the character relationships develop chronologically. We recommend following the publication order:
- Sleuth on Safari (2020) – Naomi's African safari holiday is disrupted when one of her fellow travelers is murdered.
- R.I.P. in Reykjavik (2020) – Naomi travels to Iceland for a bachelorette party, only to find herself investigating a suspicious death among the glaciers and hot springs.
- Undone in Uluru (2020) – Naomi travels to the Australian Outback, where a murder forces her to piece together clues in a harsh, remote environment.
Standalones and Contributions
In addition to her two main series, A.R. Kennedy has written standalone fiction and contributed to collections:
- Saving Ferris (2018) – A standalone legal thriller that showcases a different side of Kennedy's writing, trading cozy settings and NYPD investigations for courtroom drama and legal intrigue.
- We'd Rather Be Writing (2015) – An anthology featuring contributions from multiple authors, including Kennedy, offering a mix of short stories and writer insights.
What to Know Before You Start
A.R. Kennedy's books are heavily inspired by her real-life passions: travel and dogs. Readers will notice a recurring theme of canine companionship across her books. In the Nathan Miccoli series, the dog Laude is based on the author's own late pets, and her mini schnauzer River serves as a constant muse. Additionally, her traveler series features highly accurate geographic descriptions because Kennedy has personally visited the locations Naomi explores. Keep in mind that her two main series have vastly different tones: the Nathan Miccoli books are more emotionally intense and serialize a single relationship, while the Traveler Cozy Mystery series is light, breezy, and features standalone cases.