How to Read Colette Clark's Novels
Colette Clark has quickly made a name for herself in the historical cozy mystery genre by writing two distinct, highly atmospheric series. Because both of her series feature recurring main characters, persistent subplots, and significant character growth, the best way to read Colette Clark is in publication order. Spanning the speakeasies of 1920s New York and the star-studded studio lots of 1930s Hollywood, her two series do not overlap in terms of characters or storyline, meaning you can dive into either sequence independently without spoiling the other.
Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries in Order
The Penelope Banks series is Colette Clark's flagship work. Set in the 1920s, it follows Penelope "Pen" Banks, a spirited New York City sleuth who uses her photographic memory and love of puzzles to crack cases. The series should be read in chronological publication order, as Pen's relationships, career, and personal life progress steadily from book to book.
Recommended Reading Order for Penelope Banks
- A Murder in Long Island (2022) - Penelope is introduced to the high society of the Prohibition era when a body is discovered at a lavish estate.
- The Missing White Lady (2022) - A case involving a missing cat quickly unravels into a deeper web of Manhattan secrets.
- Pearls, Poison & Park Avenue (2022) - Pen investigates a toxic scandal hidden behind the velvet curtains of New York's elite.
- Murder in the Gardens (2022) - The mystery moves into city garden spaces, highlighting real historical settings of the era.
- A Murder in Washington Square (2022) - Pen tackles a crime in the heart of Greenwich Village's bohemian scene.
- The Great Gaston Murder (2022) - High fashion and high stakes collide when a famous designer becomes the center of a murder case.
- A Murder After Death (2022) - A complex puzzle where the primary victim's secrets continue to cause chaos posthumously.
- A Murder on 34th Street (2022) - A festive holiday setting turns deadly in the bustling heart of midtown Manhattan.
- Spotting a Case of Murder (2023) - Pen's tracking skills are put to the test when an old acquaintance is implicated in a crime.
- The Girls and the Golden Egg (2023) - A treasure hunt themed mystery that takes a dark, unexpected turn.
- Murder on the Atlantic (2023) - A classic locked-room style mystery set aboard a luxurious transatlantic ocean liner.
- A Murder on the Côte d’Azur (2024) - The European tour continues as Pen faces high-stakes murder in the sunny French Riviera.
- A Murder in Blue (2024) - A deep dive into the police and political dynamics of the 1920s.
- A Parisian Murder (2024) - Pen finds herself untangling a web of artistic jealousy and murder in Paris.
- A Merry Little Murder (2024) - A cozy holiday-themed installment filled with winter charm and festive intrigue.
- A History of Murder (2025) - Old family secrets and historical relics take center stage in this investigation.
- The Curse of the Ascot Mansion (2026) - Pen travels to an English estate where local folklore and modern murder collide.
- Murder Among the Orchids (2026) - A botanically themed mystery set in a luxurious greenhouse where deadly secrets bloom.
Lisette Darling Golden Age Mysteries in Order
Stepping forward to the 1930s, the Lisette Darling series follows an aspiring screenwriter in Golden Age Hollywood. Navigating studio politics, celebrity scandals, and unexpected homicides, Lisette finds that writing scripts is almost as dangerous as solving real-life murders. Like the Penelope Banks series, this should be read in publication order to appreciate the development of Lisette's career in the film industry.
Recommended Reading Order for Lisette Darling
- A Sparkling Case of Murder (2023) - Lisette's introduction to the Hollywood scene, where a glamorous party turns deadly.
- A Murder on Sunset Boulevard (2023) - A high-profile body is discovered in a star-studded castle-like hotel on the famous boulevard.
- A Murder Without Motive (2023) - Lisette must untangle a baffling crime where the perpetrator has no apparent reason to kill.
- The Cat and the Cadaver (2024) - A lighthearted but tricky mystery involving an animal star and a gruesome studio floor discovery.
- Murder Takes Flight (2025) - A high-flying adventure that mixes early commercial aviation glamour with murder.
Speakeasies vs. Studio Lots: Comparing the Series
While both series deliver the classic cozy mystery elements that Colette Clark is famous for, they offer very different historical flavors. The Penelope Banks series is grounded in the jazz-filled, Prohibition-era atmosphere of 1920s New York, featuring bootleggers, high-society galas, and transatlantic journeys. The tone balances lighthearted puzzles with genuine historical details of the post-WWI era. On the other hand, the Lisette Darling series is a love letter to the early days of cinema, studio politics, and the vibrant, often cutthroat nature of 1930s Hollywood. If you prefer bustling city life and classic society sleuthing, start with Penelope. If you love classic cinema, movie star gossip, and West Coast glamour, Lisette is the perfect starting point.
What to Know Before You Start Reading
Colette Clark (which is a pen name used by the author for privacy) brings her background as a legal research librarian to every book she writes. This means her novels are packed with authentic historical details, real-world events, and cultural references—such as the Asian Exclusion Act, the Scopes Trial, and early 20th-century slang—often explained in detail in her author's notes. Despite the heavy research, the books maintain a light, fast-paced, and engaging tone. There are no direct crossovers between Penelope Banks and Lisette Darling, so you can alternate between the series or read one completely before starting the other without missing any vital continuity links.