Where to Start Reading Colleen Cambridge
Colleen Cambridge is a master of the historical cozy mystery, taking readers from the grand estates of 1930s England to the bustling, flavor-filled streets of post-WWII Paris. Because her series are distinct in time, place, and tone, there is no single "correct" starting point for her entire bibliography. Instead, your choice depends on which historical atmosphere you want to explore first.
If you love classic British mysteries in the vein of Agatha Christie, you should begin with the Phyllida Bright Mystery series. The first book, Murder at Mallowan Hall (2021), introduces a clever housekeeper solving mysteries right under the nose of the Queen of Crime herself.
If you prefer a vibrant, sensory-rich trip to mid-century Europe with plenty of culinary flair, you should start with the An American in Paris Mystery series. Starting with Mastering the Art of French Murder (2023), you will follow an American expat who teams up with a young, pre-fame Julia Child to solve crime and enjoy Parisian delicacies.
For fans of political intrigue and American history, the Quinn & Gates Mystery series (originally published under the pen name C.M. Gleason and rebranded under Colleen Cambridge) offers a suspenseful look at Civil War-era Washington, D.C., beginning with Murder at Lincoln's Gala.
The Phyllida Bright Mystery Series
Set in 1930s England, this series is a loving homage to the Golden Age of detective fiction. The protagonist, Phyllida Bright, is the housekeeper at Mallowan Hall, the real-life country estate of Agatha Christie and her archaeologist husband, Max Mallowan. Phyllida is exceptionally organized, fiercely protective of her household, and possesses a sharp mind for deduction that rivals her famous employer's characters.
It is highly recommended to read this series in order of publication, as the relationships among the estate staff and Phyllida's personal life develop sequentially across the novels.
- Murder at Mallowan Hall (2021): When a dead body is discovered in the library of Mallowan Hall during a house party, Phyllida must quietly find the killer before the local police disrupt the household or tarnish Mrs. Christie's reputation.
- A Trace of Poison (2022): Phyllida is selected as a judge for a local literary festival's baking contest, but the event turns deadly when one of the attendees is poisoned.
- Murder by Invitation Only (2023): A murder takes place during a neighboring country estate's weekend house party, drawing Phyllida into a web of aristocratic secrets and local rivalries.
- Murder Takes the Stage (2024): When a theatrical troupe visits the area, drama quickly turns into tragedy, forcing Phyllida to look past the greasepaint to uncover a murderer.
- Two Truths and a Murder (2025): Attending a tense dinner party where a guest plays "Two Truths and a Lie" and claims to have witnessed a murder, Phyllida must investigate when that guest's sister is run down by a motorcar shortly afterward.
- Death Down the Aisle (Expected October 2026): Phyllida travels to a grand seaside estate for the wedding of a close friend, but the celebrations are cut short when a guest is found murdered in the chapel.
An American in Paris Mystery Series
This charming series transports readers to post-World War II Paris (specifically beginning in 1949 and moving into the 1950s). The main character is Tabitha Knight, an American expat living with her French grandfather and his partner. Tabitha's neighbor and close friend is none other than Julia Child, who is currently attending the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu cooking school. The series brilliantly combines culinary details, historical atmosphere, and engaging whodunits.
Because the friendship between Tabitha and Julia grows alongside the background developments of postwar France, reading these books in chronological order is the best way to enjoy the series.
- Mastering the Art of French Murder (2023): Tabitha is introduced to the vibrant expat community in Paris, but when a friend of Julia's is found murdered with a knife from Julia's kitchen, Tabitha must clear her friend's name.
- A Murder Most French (2024): While visiting a countryside chateau in France for a relaxing weekend, Tabitha and Julia find themselves trapped with a group of guests and a killer after a body is discovered in the wine cellar.
- A Fashionably French Murder (2025): Tabitha and Julia transition from the culinary world to the high-stakes realm of Parisian haute couture. When a designer is found strangled at an exclusive fashion atelier, Tabitha must unravel the threads of the mystery.
- In the Spirit of French Murder (2026): A reunion dinner of former French Resistance fighters turns deadly when one of the guests is killed, prompting Tabitha to work with Inspecteur Merveille to protect her family.
The Quinn & Gates Mystery Series
Originally published under the pen name C.M. Gleason as the Lincoln's White House Mystery series, these books have been updated and rebranded under the Colleen Cambridge name. Set during the tense early days of the American Civil War, the series follows Adam Quinn, a trusted aide to President Abraham Lincoln, and Sophie Gates, an independent and determined journalist. Together, they navigate the politically charged atmosphere of Washington, D.C., to solve crimes that threaten the Union from within.
- Murder at Lincoln's Gala (Originally published as Murder in the Lincoln White House in 2017, reissued in 2024): When a senator is found murdered during a reception at the Executive Mansion, Adam Quinn must find the killer before panic spreads through the capital.
- Murder in Lincoln's Library (Originally published as Murder in the Oval Library in 2018, reissued in 2025): Set in April 1861, Quinn and Gates must defend the White House and investigate a body found in the President's library.
- Murder at the Capitol (Originally published in 2020, reissued in 2025): Quinn and Gates must dive into the dark underbelly of the city to solve a murder that strikes at the heart of the government.
What to Know Before You Start
Colleen Cambridge is a pseudonym for the prolific author Colleen Gleason, who also writes under the names C.M. Gleason and Alex Mandon. While Gleason's other work spans paranormal romance, science fiction, and historical fiction, the Colleen Cambridge pen name is specifically reserved for her lighthearted, historical cozy mysteries.
There are no crossovers or shared plotlines between the Phyllida Bright, American in Paris, and Quinn & Gates series. They take place in entirely different eras and settings. This means you can read the series themselves in any order you choose, though you should read the individual books within each series in their correct publication sequence to appreciate character development and running subplots.