Where to Start Hayden Mundy Moore's Adventures
For readers diving into the world of Colette London, there is only one core series to explore: The Chocolate Whisperer Mystery series. To get the best experience, you should read these novels in their publication order. While each book features a self-contained murder mystery that is resolved by the final page, the character dynamics, romantic tension, and career development of the protagonist, Hayden Mundy Moore, follow a distinct linear timeline.
Beginning with the first book ensures you understand Hayden’s unique profession as a luxury chocolate consultant—a "chocolate whisperer" who travels to troubleshoot recipes and marketing for high-end confectioners. More importantly, starting from the beginning allows you to track the slow-burn romantic triangle and professional chemistry between Hayden, her bodyguard Danny Jamieson, and her elusive financial advisor Travis.
The Chocolate Whisperer Mystery Series in Order
The series consists of five main novels published between 2015 and 2018. Each installment takes Hayden to a scenic new location, blending local culinary traditions with suspenseful amateur sleuthing. Here is the recommended reading path:
1. Criminal Confections (2015)
In the series debut, readers are introduced to Hayden Mundy Moore as she takes on a high-stakes consulting job at a luxury chocolate resort spa in San Francisco, California. The job quickly turns sour when an in-house chocolatier, Adrienne Dowling, is found dead. Hayden is forced to use her refined palate and sharp mind to navigate corporate espionage, family secrets, and a list of suspects that includes the resort's wealthy owner, Christian. This book establishes Hayden's lifestyle, her habit of living out of suitcases, and introduces key recurring players like Danny and Travis.
2. Dangerously Dark (2015)
Hayden travels to the foodie haven of Portland, Oregon, for the second book. What was supposed to be a celebratory engagement party for a close friend quickly becomes a crime scene when a shocking death occurs. As Hayden sifts through the suspects, the cozy setting of Portland’s artisanal food scene acts as the perfect backdrop for a mystery that is as rich and layered as dark chocolate. The book increases the stakes for Hayden’s personal relationships and highlights her reliance on Danny’s protective instincts.
3. The Semi-Sweet Hereafter (2016)
Taking her talents across the Atlantic, Hayden finds herself in London, England. She is hired to assist a posh British chocolaterie, but she is quickly pulled into an investigation when a murder takes place on the premises. This installment leans heavily into British charm and the high-society drama of the gourmet confection world, testing Hayden’s ability to navigate cultural differences and international secrets while staying one step ahead of a killer.
4. Dead and Ganache (2017)
Continuing her European tour, Hayden travels to the picturesque region of Brittany, France. Surrounded by historic coastlines and decadent French pastry techniques, Hayden must solve a murder that threatens to ruin a local confectioner's reputation. The setting provides a wonderful atmospheric contrast to the tense investigation, and the descriptions of classic French ganache are guaranteed to make readers crave a sweet treat.
5. The Peppermint Mocha Murder (2018)
The fifth and final book in the series shifts to a festive, snowy New England town during the winter holidays. Hayden travels east to attend the opening of a highly anticipated holiday musical, but the festive cheer is cut short by a murder. With a cozy winter atmosphere, holiday decorations, and warm peppermint mocha treats, this installment wraps up the series' run with a seasonal flair.
Key Characters & Continuing Storylines
What sets the Chocolate Whisperer series apart from generic culinary cozies is the chemistry between the recurring cast members. Understanding these characters is vital to enjoying the overarching narrative:
- Hayden Mundy Moore: A sophisticated, independent woman with a passion for travel and cacao. Her expert palate makes her highly sought after in the chocolate industry, but her curiosity makes her a natural detective. She struggles with a sense of wanderlust, often avoiding settling down in one place.
- Danny Jamieson: Hayden's loyal bodyguard and close friend. Danny is an ex-convict with a playboy reputation, but his protective instincts for Hayden are absolute. As they face danger together in various cities, their bond grows increasingly complex.
- Travis: Hayden's financial advisor. For much of the series, Travis remains a mysterious voice on the other end of the line, guiding Hayden's investments and business decisions from afar. Despite his physical absence, the emotional and intellectual connection between Hayden and Travis creates a compelling romantic rival to Danny's physical presence.
Baking the Books: Cozy Culinary Delights
True to the traditions of the cozy mystery genre, Colette London includes actual chocolate recipes in the back of her novels. Readers are encouraged to try their hand at replicating the treats mentioned in the stories, such as Hayden's specialty chocolate butter, decadent chocolate smoothies, and homemade chocolate-hazelnut spreads. These recipes add an interactive, sensory element to the books, making them a favorite choice for book clubs and culinary enthusiasts alike.
The Bestselling Voice Behind Colette London
Colette London is the pen name of Lisa Plumley, a USA Today bestselling author who has written dozens of novels. Under her real name, Plumley is highly regarded for her contemporary and historical romance series, including the popular Morrow Creek series. This background in romance writing explains the sharp, witty banter and well-developed romantic tension that run throughout the Chocolate Whisperer mysteries. While she has not published new books under the Colette London pseudonym since 2018, her five-book mystery series remains a beloved staple for fans of JoAnna Carl, Diane Mott Davidson, and Cleo Coyle.