The Recommended Starting Point: Where to Begin
If you are new to the work of Blaize Clement, the absolute best place to start is at the very beginning of her signature cozy mystery series with Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter (2005). This novel introduces readers to Dixie Hemingway, a former sheriff's deputy turned professional pet-sitter in the sun-drenched town of Siesta Key, Florida. Starting here ensures you get the necessary backstory regarding Dixie's past trauma, her deep connection to the animals in her care, and the key relationships that develop throughout the series.
Dixie Hemingway Mystery Series in Order
The Dixie Hemingway series follows a linear timeline where Dixie's personal life, her grief recovery, her career, and her relationships with locals and law enforcement evolve chronologically. Reading the books out of order will spoil major character developments, including changes in Dixie's romantic life and her status with the local police department. Therefore, the recommended reading order is the publication order:
- Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter (2005) - Dixie stumbles upon a murder while tending to a client's cat, pulling her back into the world of investigation.
- Duplicity Dogged the Dachshund (2007) - A dog's curious digging unearths a corpse, setting off a search for a dangerous killer.
- Even Cat Sitters Get the Blues (2008) - Dixie takes on the care of a sensitive cat and finds herself protecting a mute child who witnessed a crime.
- Cat Sitter on a Hot Tin Roof (2009) - A client's death looks like an accident, but Dixie's instincts tell her it is murder, leading her to uncover a complex conspiracy.
- Raining Cat Sitters and Dogs (2010) - Dixie gets caught up in a web of deceit involving a wealthy family, a high-stakes robbery, and multiple pets.
- Cat Sitter Among the Pigeons (2010) - When an elderly client dies, Dixie looks after her cat and finds herself protecting a young woman hiding from a dangerous cult.
- The Cat Sitter's Pajamas (2012) - The first book completed by John Clement, where Dixie finds a half-drowned man on the beach and a mystery close to home.
- The Cat Sitter's Cradle (2013) - Dixie cares for a pregnant woman's pets while trying to find out what happened to a missing girl.
- The Cat Sitter's Nine Lives (2014) - A mysterious grey cat leads Dixie into a dark web of secrets and murder in the Siesta Key community.
- The Cat Sitter's Whiskers (2015) - A house-sitting job turns deadly when a body is discovered in the home, forcing Dixie to clear her friend's name.
- The Cat Sitter and the Canary (2016) - Co-credited to Blaize and John Clement, this entry finds Dixie investigating a murder at a historic estate.
The Transition from Blaize to John Clement
Blaize Clement began publishing her cozy mysteries later in life, releasing her debut at age 74. Following her passing in July 2011, her son, John Clement, stepped in to continue the series using her detailed notes, outlines, and character drafts. The transition begins with The Cat Sitter's Pajamas (2012). Fans generally praise John for maintaining his mother's warm, witty tone, the vivid Florida atmosphere, and Dixie's characteristic compassion for animals. The final co-authored and co-credited novel in the lineup is The Cat Sitter and the Canary, published in 2016.
Standalone Fiction, Short Stories, and Non-Fiction
Beyond the Dixie Hemingway mysteries, Blaize Clement wrote across multiple genres. These books can be read independently at any point, as they do not connect to the Siesta Key universe:
Standalone Novels
- Dance of the Moon Daughter (2010) - Originally published under the pseudonym Lee Silvey, this is a romantic historical adventure set in 16th-century India.
- I, Malcolm (2011) - An ebook written from the perspective of an Irish Retriever, highlighting Clement's lifelong love for animals.
Short Story Collections
- Kids Stay Free (2011) - A collection of short fiction showcasing Clement's talent for building quick, engaging narratives.
Non-Fiction
- In the Beginning: An Introduction to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism (2010) - A friendly, accessible guide to Eastern philosophy and religion, reflecting her intellectual curiosity and background in family therapy.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving in, readers should be prepared for the cozy mystery style of the series. While the books feature murder investigations, the primary focus is on the community, the pets, and Dixie's personal recovery after losing her family. The setting of Siesta Key acts as its own character, full of warm sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a tight-knit community of animal lovers. While the mysteries are resolved in each book, the overarching character growth makes reading them in sequence highly rewarding.