How to Read the Candy Holliday Mystery Series
If you are looking to dive into the delightful, coastal world of Cape Willington, Maine, the best path forward is straightforward: read the Candy Holliday mysteries in order of publication. Because the books follow a linear timeline and feature ongoing character development, relationship growth, and long-standing community subplots, starting from the beginning is the key to fully appreciating the cozy narrative.
The series begins with Town in a Blueberry Jam, which introduces readers to the protagonist, Candy Holliday. Having returned to her hometown of Cape Willington to help her father, Doc Holliday, run their family blueberry farm (Blueberry Acres), Candy finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the role of amateur sleuth. From there, each sequel builds upon the social fabric of the town, making the publication order the absolute best way to experience the series.
Candy Holliday Mysteries in Order of Publication
Here is the complete list of the B.B. Haywood cozy mystery novels in the order they were published:
- Town in a Blueberry Jam (2010): Candy Holliday returns to coastal Cape Willington, Maine, only to find herself investigating the murder of a local playboy and the town's Blueberry Queen. This book sets the stage for the series, introducing the town's quirky residents and Candy’s transition to running the family farm.
- Town in a Lobster Stew (2011): In the second installment, Cape Willington is preparing for its annual Lobster Festival. However, local tensions boil over when a prominent resident is found dead in a vat of lobster stew, and a coveted secret recipe goes missing. Candy must peel back the layers of local history to find the killer.
- Town in a Wild Moose Chase (2012): When a moose wanders into Cape Willington and leads locals to a skeleton hidden in the woods, a cold case is reopened. Candy digs into the town's past, uncovering long-buried secrets that some residents would rather keep hidden forever.
- Town in a Pumpkin Bash (2013): Set during the autumn season, Cape Willington is celebrating Halloween and its annual pumpkin festival. The festive mood is ruined when a local mystery writer is murdered, and Candy finds herself tracking down a killer who is hiding behind a mask.
- Town in a Strawberry Swirl (2014): Strawberry season arrives in Cape Willington, but the harvest is marred by the murder of a rival berry farmer. Candy must investigate the competitive world of local agriculture to clear a friend's name and bring the real culprit to justice.
- Town in a Sweet Pickle (2015): During the town's summer celebrations, a local pickling competition turns sour when a judge is found dead. As Candy looks into the case, she discovers that beneath the friendly competition lies a jar full of jealousy, betrayal, and murder.
- Town in a Cinnamon Toast (2016): Autumn brings cool winds and the scent of cinnamon to Maine. When a prominent member of the historical society is found murdered at the local bakery, Candy must sift through historical clues and modern grudges to solve the crime.
- Town in a Maple Madness (2017): The final novel in the series finds Cape Willington in the grip of early spring maple syrup harvesting. The peaceful season is disrupted by the theft of valuable sap and the murder of a local landscaper, forcing Candy to solve one last intricate puzzle.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
For the Candy Holliday series, the publication order and chronological order are identical. There are no prequels or flashbacks that disrupt the narrative flow. Readers do not need to worry about rearranging the reading order to maintain continuity.
Reading the books chronologically is highly recommended because of the overarching subplots. For instance, the long-standing rivalry and feud between the prominent Pruitt and Skye families is a recurring element that develops over several books. Additionally, Candy's personal life, her romantic interests, and the changing dynamics of the local community evolve naturally from one book to the next. Skipping around may lead to minor spoilers regarding who is dating whom or the resolution of previous municipal disputes.
Who is B.B. Haywood?
Behind the pseudonym B.B. Haywood is the husband-and-wife writing team of Beth Freeman and Robert Freeman. The Freemans first conceived the idea for Cape Willington while taking a scenic drive through the rugged coast of Maine. Captivated by the small, tight-knit communities, local history, and picturesque scenery, they decided to collaborate on a cozy mystery series that captured that unique Maine charm. Their collaborative writing process combines Beth's talent for deep characterization and Robert's skill with intricate plotting, resulting in a seamless voice that has resonated with cozy mystery fans worldwide.
The Cozy Cookbook Companion
In addition to the main series, B.B. Haywood contributed to The Cozy Cookbook: More than 100 Recipes from Today's Bestselling Mystery Authors (published in 2015). This anthology is a collaborative effort featuring recipes, cooking tips, and short story excerpts from popular cozy mystery writers, including Avery Aames, Cleo Coyle, and Laura Childs. While it is not a narrative book in the Candy Holliday series, it is a delightful companion piece for fans who enjoy the culinary elements of cozy mysteries, showcasing some of the signature Maine-inspired treats mentioned throughout Candy’s adventures.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Cape Willington, readers should expect a classic cozy mystery experience. The series features minimal graphic violence, no explicit language, and a strong emphasis on community, atmosphere, and amateur sleuthing. A unique and beloved feature of the books is the inclusion of authentic, home-style recipes at the end of each novel, particularly featuring Maine favorites like blueberry pies, lobster dishes, and seasonal baked goods. If you enjoy atmospheric, food-centric mysteries with a strong sense of place, the Candy Holliday series is a perfect addition to your reading list.