Charlotte Carter Books in Order

The Critical Distinction: Two Authors Named Charlotte Carter

Before diving into a book by Charlotte Carter, it is essential to know that you are actually looking at the work of two entirely different authors who share the same name. Because many library catalogs and online bookstores merge their listings, readers frequently get confused. Here is how to tell them apart:

• Charlotte Carter (born 1943): An African American mystery novelist born in Chicago. She is best known for her gritty, jazz-infused detective fiction set in New York City and Chicago, notably the Nanette Hayes series and the Cook County series.
• Charlotte Carter (pen name of Charlotte Lobb, 1935–2013): A Southern California-based writer who wrote over 50 romance, cozy mystery, and inspirational novels. She frequently published under the pen names Charlotte Carter, Charlotte Maclay, and Charlotte Moore, producing popular series for Harlequin, Love Inspired, and Guideposts.

Reading Order 1: The Noir & Jazz Mysteries of Charlotte Carter (b. 1943)

If you are looking for smart, sharp-tongued protagonists, atmospheric cityscapes, and a deep appreciation for jazz music, you will want to read the works of the mystery novelist Charlotte Carter. Her books are best read in order of publication to follow the character development and overarching subplots.

The Nanette Hayes Mysteries

This series features Nanette Hayes, a French-speaking, jazz saxophonist and amateur sleuth living in New York City. The books combine crime-solving with bohemian culture, street musicians, and romantic entanglements.

1. Rhode Island Red (1997): Nanette's life turns upside down when a fellow street musician dies in her apartment, leaving behind a sax stuffed with cash.
2. Coq Au Vin (1999): Nanette travels to Paris to find her missing artist uncle, only to stumble into a web of murder and romance.
3. Drumsticks (2000): Back in New York, Nanette deals with the death of a voodoo priestess and a mysterious street performer.
4. Rooster's Riff (2001): A final, fast-paced case involving old flames and jazz legends.

The Cook County / Chicago Series

A historical mystery series set against the turbulent backdrop of late-1960s Chicago, focusing on family secrets, social movements, and gritty crime.

1. Jackson Park (2003): Introduces Cassandra Lisle, who becomes embroiled in family secrets and murder in December 1968 Chicago.
2. Trip Wire (2005): Cassandra returns to investigate a mystery involving political activism and underground networks.

Reading Order 2: The Romance & Cozy Worlds of Charlotte Carter (Charlotte Lobb, 1935–2013)

If you prefer heartwarming romance, inspirational themes, cozy towns, and western settings, you are reading the works of Charlotte Lobb (writing as Charlotte Carter and Charlotte Maclay). Most of these books can be read as standalones, but reading them in order helps you appreciate the recurring family and community dynamics.

The Oakes Brothers / Montana Style Series

A charming contemporary western romance series focusing on the Oakes family in Montana. These should be read in order:

1. Courtship, Montana Style (2002)
2. Montana Daddy (2003)
3. Montana Twins (2003)

Inspirational Montana Romances (Love Inspired)

These books, published under the Love Inspired imprint, are clean, heartwarming romances set in the rugged beauty of Montana. While they are technically standalone novels, they share a cozy, faith-centered atmosphere:

• Montana Hearts (2010)
• Big Sky Reunion (2011)
• Big Sky Family (2011)
• Montana Love Letter (2012)
• Home to Montana (2013)
• Montana Wrangler (2013)

Once Upon a Kiss Series

This series features playful, fairytale-inspired romance tropes, with several books written under her Charlotte Maclay pen name. The recommended order is:

1. The Prince, The Lady & The Tower (1997)
2. Eight Men and a Lady (1997)
3. Wake Me With a Kiss (1997)
4. The Princess and the Frog (1997)
5. In Papa Bear's Bed (1997)
6. Catching a Daddy (1997) (published as Charlotte Maclay)
7. Her Desert Prince (2011)
8. Beauty and the Brooding Boss (2011)
9. Not-So-Perfect Princess (2011)
10. The Princess Test (2011)
11. The Ballerina Bride (2012)
12. A Season Of Change (2018)

Collaborative & Multi-Author Series Contributions

Charlotte Lobb was a frequent contributor to collaborative series under her Charlotte Carter and Charlotte Maclay pseudonyms. For these series, you only need to read her specific books, though fans of the overarching settings may enjoy reading the entire series in publication order:

• Cooper's Corner: She contributed The Revenge (2002) (written as Charlotte Maclay).
• Secrets of Mary's Bookshop: Published by Guideposts, this cozy mystery series features Mary Fisher's Cape Cod bookstore. Charlotte Carter wrote the third book, Reading the Clues (2012), as well as contributing other entries like By the Book (2013).
• Stories from Hope Haven: Set in Deerford, Illinois, this Guideposts series features her contributions Strength in Numbers (Book 4) and Christmas Miracles (Book 10).
• The Heart of Main Street: A collaborative series featuring titles like Cozy Christmas (2013) and Tail of Two Hearts (2013).

Practical Reader Advice

Because these two authors write in drastically different genres, your starting point depends on your taste:

• If you love cozy, heartwarming romance: Start with Montana Hearts or Courtship, Montana Style. These books offer a faith-filled, gentle escape with rugged western backdrops.
• If you love gritty, music-infused detective stories: Start with Rhode Island Red. The Nanette Hayes series is a classic of modern Black mystery writing, offering a stylish look at 1990s New York.