Beth McMullen Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Beth McMullen's Books

Beth McMullen has built a reputation for writing fast-paced, humorous, and action-packed adventures that appeal to readers of all ages. Because she writes for both middle-grade audiences and adults, the best place to start depends entirely on your preferred genre:

• For Middle-Grade Spy Fans: Start with Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls (2017). This series is perfect for fans of Stuart Gibbs's Spy School, blending boarding school drama, secret agent gadgets, and high-stakes missions.
• For Middle-Grade Fantasy Lovers: Start with Secret of the Storm (2022). It is a heartwarming and magical story about a young girl who discovers a seemingly normal kitten is actually a dragon.
• For Adult Mystery/Suspense Readers: Start with Original Sin (2011), the first full-length novel in her Sally Sin series, which follows a retired spy trying to survive the challenges of stay-at-home motherhood.

Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls Series in Order

This middle-grade trilogy follows Abby Hunter, who discovers that her new boarding school, The Smith School, is actually a front for an elite, all-female spy organization. The books must be read in publication order, as they follow a continuous storyline dealing with Abby's search for her missing mother and her training as a secret agent.

1. Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls (2017) – Abby is sent to the Smith School, only to uncover its secret spy training program and embark on a mission to rescue her mother.
2. Power Play (2018) – Abby and her friends head to a winter break camp that turns out to be a trap, leading to a hunt for a rogue agent.
3. Double Cross (2019) – The final installment brings the team to London for a high-stakes mission to stop the nefarious Center from launching a devastating weapon.

Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter Series in Order

For readers who love archaeology mysteries, globe-trotting quests, and an Indiana Jones vibe, the Lola Benko series is a must-read. The books should be read in chronological and publication order:

1. Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter (2020) – Lola Benko goes on a quest to find her missing archaeologist father, leading her to a mysterious stone in the ruins of a Baltic castle.
2. The Midnight Market (2021) – Lola and her friends search for a legendary artifact, the Mirror of Pharos, which takes them deep into the black-market antiquities trade in Istanbul.

Secret of the Storm Series in Order

This series blends fantasy with emotional depth, focusing on Cassie King, a young girl dealing with personal grief who finds solace in an unusual companion. The story continues across two main volumes:

1. Secret of the Storm (2022) – Cassie rescues a wet, struggling kitten during a massive storm, only to realize the creature possesses magical abilities and is actually a dragon in disguise.
2. Land of Dragons (2023) – The sequel continues Cassie and Albert the dragon's journey as they face new threats from the magical realm and must protect their bond.

Sally Sin / Lucy Hamilton Adult Series in Order

Before writing middle-grade novels, McMullen wrote the Sally Sin series (often categorized under adult romantic suspense or cozy mystery). The books follow Lucy Hamilton, a former operative for the U.S. government who changes her name to Sally Sin to raise her son in San Francisco. However, her past refuses to stay buried.

1. A Little Bit of Sin (2011) – A prequel short story/sneak peek that serves as an introduction to Sally's double life.
2. Original Sin (2011) – The first full-length novel where Sally is forced out of retirement to track down a stolen nuclear warhead while keeping her family in the dark.
3. Sally Sin, International Mom of Mystery / Spy Mom (2012) – The second novel (published under both titles) finds Sally attempting to balance playdates with an assignment to capture her nemesis.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For McMullen's middle-grade series (Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls, Lola Benko, and Secret of the Storm), chronological order matches publication order exactly. You should read them in the sequence they were written to avoid spoilers and to follow the characters' development.

For the adult Sally Sin series, you have two choices. You can start with the short prequel sneak-peek A Little Bit of Sin to get a taste of Sally's voice and background, or you can jump straight into the first novel, Original Sin. Either path works well, but reading Original Sin first is generally recommended for a more satisfying introduction to the characters.

What to Know Before You Start

Beth McMullen's style is characterized by witty dialogue, highly capable protagonists who still feel relatable, and fast pacing. She frequently highlights themes of friendship, finding where you belong, and resilient underdogs. Beyond her novels, McMullen is also a co-host of the Writers With Wrinkles podcast, where she discusses the publishing industry, offering advice for aspiring writers. This passion for the craft of writing shines through in her tightly plotted mysteries and well-structured story arcs.