Catie Murphy Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Catie Murphy's Books

Because Catie Murphy writes across vastly different genres using distinct pen names, your best starting point depends entirely on what kind of story you are in the mood for. If you love lighthearted, scenic cozy mysteries with witty dialogue, you should begin with the Dublin Driver Mysteries under her Catie Murphy byline. If you prefer action-packed urban fantasy with deep mythological roots, you should start with the Walker Papers under her primary pen name, C.E. Murphy.

For readers who enjoy romantic suspense or action-adventure romance, her trilogy written as Cate Dermody is the perfect gateway. Meanwhile, if you want quick, fun paranormal romance reads, her books written as Murphy Lawless or under the collaborative pseudonym Zoe Chant will hit the spot. Here is exactly how to read each of her major series, ordered for the best experience.

The Dublin Driver Mysteries (Writing as Catie Murphy)

Written under the name Catie Murphy, this cozy mystery series features Megan Malone, an American expat from Texas who moves to Ireland and works as a limousine driver in Dublin. Megan has a knack for finding herself in the middle of murder investigations, using her local knowledge, charm, and driving skills to solve crimes. The series blends authentic Irish culture, humor, and classic whodunit puzzles.

The Dublin Driver Mysteries should be read in publication order, as Megan's personal life, relationships, and standing in the community develop chronologically from book to book. Here is the recommended reading order:

• Dead in Dublin (2019) – Megan Malone's first major case involving a food critic murdered at a high-end restaurant.
• Death on the Green (2020) – Megan is hired to drive a billionaire during a high-stakes golf tournament, only for murder to disrupt the event.
• Death of an Irish Mummy (2021) – Megan finds herself investigating a crime when a corpse is discovered inside a museum exhibition.
• Death in Irish Accents (2023) – Megan navigates the complex world of theater and voice acting when a production turns deadly.
• Death by Irish Whiskey (2024) – A mystery surrounding a premier distillery and a lethal bottle of whiskey.
• Death of an Irish Druid (2025) – Megan's latest adventure involving ancient traditions and modern crime.

The Walker Papers (Writing as C.E. Murphy)

Under her primary pen name, C.E. Murphy, she created the long-running Walker Papers. This urban fantasy saga stars Joanne Walker, a Seattle police officer who discovers she has shamanic powers. Joanne must balance her duties as a cop with her new responsibilities protecting the world from magical and mythological threats. The series is celebrated for its detailed magic system, slow-burn character development, and integration of global mythologies.

While you can read the main novels in publication order, integrating the novellas chronologically provides the richest understanding of Joanne's journey. Here is the chronological reading order for the Walker Papers:

• Urban Shaman (2005) – The essential entry point where Joanne Walker first discovers her shamanic calling.
• "Banshee Cries" (Novella) – A short story set shortly after the events of the first book, dealing with Irish mythology.
• Thunderbird Falls (2006) – Joanne faces ancient powers beneath Seattle.
• Coyote Dreams (2007) – Magic and dreamscapes collide as Joanne deals with trickster spirits.
• "Rabbit Tricks" (Novella) – A bridge story dealing with magical consequences.
• Walking Dead (also published as Cauldron Borne) (2009) – Joanne must confront the ghosts of her past and magical enemies.
• Demon Hunts (2010) – Joanne faces demonic forces in the wake of escalating magical conflicts.
• "Easy Pickings" (Crossover Novella) – A collaborative urban fantasy crossover story written with Faith Hunter, featuring Hunter's protagonist Jane Yellowrock.
• Spirit Dances (2011) – The boundaries between spirits and the physical world grow dangerously thin.
• Raven Calls (2012) – Celtic mythology takes center stage as Joanne travels to Ireland.
• Mountain Echoes (2013) – The penultimate conflict where Joanne's powers are tested to their limits.
• Shaman Rises (2014) – The thrilling conclusion to Joanne Walker's primary character arc.

The Negotiator Trilogy & Old Races Universe (Writing as C.E. Murphy)

Set in the same broader universe as the Walker Papers, the Negotiator Trilogy explores the political intrigue, ancient rivalries, and hidden societies of the "Old Races" (such as gargoyles, vampires, and shapeshifters). The story focuses on Margrit Knight, a human lawyer who finds herself acting as a legal representative and negotiator for these magical factions. It is a fantastic mix of legal thriller, urban fantasy, and romance.

This trilogy is highly serialized and must be read in strict order:

1. Heart of Stone (2007) – Margrit Knight takes on a case that introduces her to the hidden magical factions of New York City.
2. House of Cards (2008) – The political tension between the Old Races escalates, putting Margrit in the crossfire.
3. Hands of Flame (2008) – The final battle for the future of the magical community and Margrit's place within it.

Historical Fantasy: The Inheritors' Cycle (Writing as C.E. Murphy)

If you prefer historical fantasy with court intrigue, alternative history, and magical bloodlines, C.E. Murphy's Inheritors' Cycle is an excellent choice. Set in a fictionalized version of Europe, the duology follows characters navigating royal succession, magical heritage, and political conspiracies.

Read these two books in order:

1. The Queen's Bastard (2008) – Introduces the complex political landscape and the secret magic of the royal lineage.
2. The Pretender's Crown (2009) – Concludes the sweeping historical conflict and resolution of the throne's true heir.

Action-Adventure Romance: The Strongbox Chronicles (Writing as Cate Dermody)

Using her grandmother's maiden name, Cate Dermody, Murphy wrote a trilogy of high-stakes, contemporary romantic adventure novels known as The Strongbox Chronicles. The books follow highly skilled operatives dealing with international espionage, dangerous missions, and intense romantic chemistry. They are perfect for fans of action movies and romantic suspense.

Read the Strongbox Chronicles in order:

1. The Cardinal Rule (2005) – The first installment introducing the main characters and the shadow organization.
2. The Firebird Deception (2006) – The stakes rise as the operatives face betrayal and global threats.
3. The Phoenix Law (2006) – The dramatic conclusion to the operations and personal struggles of the characters.

Paranormal Romance Pseudonyms: Murphy Lawless and Zoe Chant

For quick, lighthearted, and highly engaging paranormal romance reads, Murphy has written under two other names. As Murphy Lawless, she wrote the Gladiator Shifters series, featuring shape-shifting gladiators navigating modern life and love. Additionally, she is a member of the multi-author collective writing under the name Zoe Chant, where she contributed to various popular shifter romance series like the Virtue Shifters. These books are designed as quick, fun, standalone-friendly stories that can generally be picked up in any order within their specific subseries.

What to Know Before You Start

While her Dublin Driver Mysteries are light, cozy, and filled with local Irish color, her C.E. Murphy urban fantasy books are much darker and feature intense action, violence, and mythological horror. Knowing this distinction helps set expectations. Furthermore, because she lives in Ireland, her Dublin Driver series is noted for its authentic depiction of local slang, geographical landmarks, and cultural quirks, which makes Megan Malone's driver adventures feel incredibly real and grounded.