Betty Webb Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start?

Betty Webb is a master of contrast, offering two long-running contemporary mystery series with completely different tones, alongside a newer historical mystery series. Because her three series are entirely separate, your starting point depends on what style of mystery you prefer:

• For gritty, social-justice-focused investigations: Start with Desert Noir (2001), the first book in the Lena Jones Mystery series. This series features a private investigator tackling heavy topics like polygamy, nuclear waste, and cults in the Arizona desert. Reading in order is highly recommended because of a continuous overarching mystery regarding Lena's childhood identity.
• For lighthearted, cozy animal mysteries: Start with The Anteater of Death (2008), the debut of the Gunn Zoo Mystery series. Set at a California zoo, this series offers humorous plots, quirky animals, and behind-the-scenes zoo operations.
• For historical mystery and art intrigue: Start with Lost in Paris (2023), which kicks off her historical series set in the bohemian art scene of 1920s Paris.

Lena Jones Mysteries: Gritty Desert Investigations

The Lena Jones series is set in Scottsdale, Arizona, and features a former police officer turned private eye. Raised in a series of foster homes after being found shot at the age of four, Lena is a complex, resilient protagonist. This series is known for its social conscience, reflecting Webb's own investigative journalism background. Key themes include environmental degradation, modern polygamy, and systemic abuse. The books must be read in publication order to appreciate Lena's unfolding personal history.

Lena Jones Series in Publication and Chronological Order

1. Desert Noir (2001) – Lena investigates the murder of a popular photojournalist, leading her into the dark underbelly of the Scottsdale art world.
2. Desert Wives (2003) – In one of the series' most acclaimed installments, Lena goes undercover in a polygamous sect to rescue a young girl forced into marriage.
3. Desert Shadows (2004) – Lena is hired to investigate a death at a suspicious retirement community, exposing elder exploitation.
4. Desert Run (2006) – A search for a missing young woman takes Lena to the remote desert, exploring the scars of past nuclear testing.
5. Desert Cut (2008) – The investigation of a mutilated body leads to a clash over illegal immigration and human trafficking.
6. Desert Lost (2009) – Lena confronts her past directly when she is hired by a man who claims to be her biological father.
7. Desert Wind (2012) – This story dives into uranium mining, environmental hazards, and the exploitation of Native American land.
8. Desert Rage (2014) – A complex case involving a high school athlete's death reveals deep-seated community corruption.
9. Desert Vengeance (2017) – Lena deals with the fallout of domestic violence and vigilante justice in the desert heat.
10. Desert Redemption (2019) – The final entry wraps up many of Lena's personal plotlines as she untangles a web of greed and long-buried family secrets.

Gunn Zoo Mysteries: Cozy Zoo Capers

If you prefer your mysteries with a lighter touch and a heavy dose of animal facts, the Gunn Zoo series is the perfect choice. The stories follow Theodora "Teddy" Bentley, a zookeeper at the fictional Gunn Zoo in Monterey Bay, California. Unlike the Lena Jones books, this series falls into the cozy mystery subgenre, featuring eccentric suspects, a touch of romance, and clever animal companions who often help—or hinder—the investigations. While the mysteries themselves are standalone, Teddy's relationships and career progress chronologically, making publication order the best path.

Gunn Zoo Series in Publication Order

1. The Anteater of Death (2008) – Teddy must clear her own name and that of a giant anteater when a wealthy zoo donor is found dead.
2. The Koala of Death (2010) – The murder of a beloved koala's keeper forces Teddy to dig into the local fishing community's secrets.
3. The Llama of Death (2013) – A llama becomes the primary suspect in a murder case at a local agricultural fair.
4. The Puffin of Death (2015) – A trip to Oregon lands Teddy in the middle of a mystery involving a rare puffin and an old family feud.
5. The Otter of Death (2018) – Teddy investigates a murder linked to sea otter conservation efforts along the California coast.
6. The Panda of Death (2020) – A rare red panda is caught up in a deadly smuggling ring, prompting Teddy to track down the killers.

Lost in Paris Mysteries: Historical Art Intrigue

Webb's newest venture is a historical mystery series that follows Zoe Barlow, an American expat artist living in 1920s Paris. The series blends historical fiction with traditional detective plots, capturing the vibrant culture, famous literary figures, and artistic revolution of the era. The books are best enjoyed in order, though the individual mysteries can function as standalones.

Lost in Paris Series in Publication Order

1. Lost in Paris (2023) – Zoe is drawn into the Parisian avant-garde art scene when she is accused of murdering a wealthy art patron.
2. The Clock Struck Murder (2024) – Zoe investigates a murder at an elite boarding school, dealing with secrets among the wealthy expat community.

What to Know Before You Start

Betty Webb's versatility means she writes for two very different audiences. Readers should be prepared for the stark tonal shift between her series. The Lena Jones mysteries do not shy away from grim topics; they feature violence, systemic abuse, and heavy emotional themes. The Gunn Zoo mysteries, conversely, are designed as fun, educational, and lighthearted puzzles, perfect for animal lovers. Webb draws heavily from her real-life experience as a journalist and her volunteer work at the Phoenix Zoo, ensuring both the investigations and the animal care details are meticulously researched and accurate.