How to Read Cheryl Honigford's Books
Cheryl Honigford is the author of the Viv and Charlie Mystery series, a cozy yet atmospheric collection of historical whodunits set in Chicago during the Golden Age of Radio. The series centers on Vivian "Viv" Witchell, a talented but headstrong radio actress, and Charlie Haverman, a pragmatic and charming private detective.
Because the character development, overarching subplots, and the evolving relationship between Viv and Charlie progress throughout the novels, it is highly recommended to read this series in chronological publication order. Reading the books out of order will spoil major relationship dynamics and character arcs.
The Recommended Reading Path
- The Darkness Knows (Originally published in 2013; re-released in 2016)
- Homicide for the Holidays (2017)
- Dig Deep My Grave (2018)
Deep Dive into the Viv and Charlie Mystery Series
The series is a love letter to the 1930s, meticulously blending authentic historical details of the Great Depression, the rise of network radio broadcasting, and the lingering shadow of Chicago's gangland era. Here is what you can expect from each installment:
1. The Darkness Knows
The series begins with Honigford's award-winning debut. Vivian Witchell is a rising star on a popular radio drama in Chicago when her director is found murdered in the studio. To clear her name and find the real killer, Viv finds herself reluctantly paired with Charlie Haverman, a private investigator hired to crack the case. The book serves as a perfect introduction to the unique atmosphere of a 1930s radio station and establishes the snappy, banter-filled chemistry between the two protagonists.
2. Homicide for the Holidays
Set during the festive winter of 1938, the second book turns up the historical heat by weaving in real Chicago lore, including ties to Al Capone's legacy. When Viv gets dragged into a wealthy family's secrets, she discovers that high society and low-life gangsters are closer than they appear. Charlie and Viv must navigate snowy city streets and dangerous secrets to find a killer before the holiday season turns deadly.
3. Dig Deep My Grave
The third novel takes a brief departure from the bustling streets of Chicago to a lavish, isolated lake house estate in Wisconsin. Viv is invited to a weekend getaway with the wealthy elites of the radio industry, but the retreat turns hostile when a dead body is discovered. Cut off from the city, Viv and Charlie must work together to unmask a killer who is hiding in plain sight among the guests. This installment tests their professional partnership and romantic tension to its limits.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the Viv and Charlie Mysteries, keep these helpful reading tips and details in mind:
- Start at the Beginning: While each book features a self-contained murder mystery that is solved by the final page, the personal lives of Vivian and Charlie, their family histories, and their romantic tension build continuously. The Darkness Knows is the essential starting point.
- Old-Time Radio Nostalgia: Honigford's background research shines in her descriptions of live sound effects, studio microphones, script revisions, and the fast-paced energy of early broadcasting. If you enjoy classic radio plays or vintage media, this aspect adds a delightful layer to the mystery.
- Historical Accuracy: The series does not shy away from the realities of the late 1930s, balancing the glamour of glamorous theater districts and wealthy estates with the struggles of the Depression and the rising political tensions of the era.