The Recommended Reading Order Path
Whether you want to transport yourself to the high society of Regency England or solve modern-day cold cases through family trees, Celeste Connally (who also writes as S.C. Perkins) offers two distinct, highly engaging mystery series. Because each of her series follows a clear chronological progression with significant character development, the best way to read her books is by series in publication order.
If you prefer historical mysteries filled with feminist themes, sharp wit, and upper-class Regency drama, you should start with Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord (2023). If you prefer contemporary cozy mysteries centered on research, history, and genealogical detective work, you should start with Murder Once Removed (2019), written under her S.C. Perkins pen name.
The Lady Petra Inquires Series
Written under the pseudonym Celeste Connally, the Lady Petra Inquires series is set in 1815 England. It stars Lady Petra Forsyth, a strong-willed heiress who has vowed never to marry after the tragic loss of her fiancé. Instead of conforming to society's expectations, she uses her position and independence to solve crimes. The series blends the vibrant atmosphere and social dynamics of Bridgerton with the clever plotting of Agatha Christie.
We recommend reading these books in strict publication order, as the personal lives, romantic tensions, and reputation of Lady Petra evolve continuously from one book to the next. Here is the chronological and publication order:
- Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord (2023) – The debut novel introduces Lady Petra as she investigates the suspicious death of a friend, leading her to uncover a sinister plot surrounding a private asylum.
- All's Fair in Love and Treachery (2024) – Set against the backdrop of London's post-Waterloo celebrations, Queen Charlotte herself tasks Lady Petra with investigating a mysterious death.
- Revenge, Served Royal (2025) – Lady Petra returns to navigate royal intrigue and lethal secrets within the highest social circles.
- Murder of a Merry Gentleman (2026) – Set during the festive Christmas season of December 1815, Petra tries to maintain her best behavior, only to find herself embroiled in another holiday mystery.
The Ancestry Detective Series (as S.C. Perkins)
Before launching her Regency mysteries, the author wrote a contemporary cozy mystery trilogy under the name S.C. Perkins. This series features Lucy Lancaster, a professional genealogist in Texas who uses historical documents, census records, and family trees to solve present-day murders and long-forgotten cold cases. It is perfect for fans of history, research-heavy sleuthing, and warm Texas settings.
Like the Lady Petra books, the Ancestry Detective series should be read in order of release to appreciate the character relationships and recurring subplots:
- Murder Once Removed (2019) – Lucy is hired to trace an ancestor, only to find herself investigating a 120-year-old murder that has dangerous ramifications in the present day.
- Lineage Most Lethal (2020) – Lucy's work takes her to a historic hotel where she must identify a John Doe and untangle a web of secrets surrounding a wealthy Texas family.
- Fatal Family Ties (2021) – Lucy is hired to research the heritage of a famous local developer, uncovering a deadly history that puts her own life at risk.
What Are the "Cozy Case Files" Samplers?
If you search for Celeste Connally's bibliography, you will often see various volumes of the Cozy Case Files listed. It is important to know that these are not standalone novels, novellas, or exclusive short stories written by Celeste Connally. Instead, they are digital promotional samplers published periodically by Minotaur Books.
Each volume features first-chapter excerpts of upcoming or newly released cozy mysteries from several Minotaur authors, helping readers sample and discover new series. For instance, excerpts from Connally's and S.C. Perkins' books have been included in collections like Cozy Case Files, Volume 19. You do not need to purchase or read these samplers to understand the plots of her main novels.
What to Know Before You Start
Here are a few helpful insights to keep in mind before you dive into the author's catalog:
- Feminist Perspectives: The historical mysteries do not shy away from the harsh realities women faced in 19th-century England, such as the ease with which husbands could commit wives to private asylums. Connally uses sensitivity readers to handle these themes with care while maintaining an engaging, upbeat detective narrative.
- Pen Name Confusion: The author's real name is Stephanie Perkins. However, because there is already a very famous Young Adult novelist named Stephanie Perkins (author of Anna and the French Kiss), she chose the pseudonyms S.C. Perkins and Celeste Connally. The name Celeste comes from her middle name, and Connally is the maiden name of her great-great-great-grandmother.
- Standalone vs. Series: While each mystery is resolved by the end of the book, the emotional arcs, romantic developments, and social relationships of Lady Petra and Lucy Lancaster carry over between installments. For the best experience, avoid reading them out of order.