Books On Board

Connie di Marco Books in Order

  • 5 Books
  • 2016 – 2022 Published

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Reading order
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Where to Begin Your Reading Journey

Connie di Marco writes across two distinct mystery subgenres, using a different name for each. If you are looking for a suspenseful, atmospheric detective story set in a busy metro area, you should start with her Zodiac Mysteries under the name Connie di Marco. If you prefer a traditional, small-town culinary cozy with recipes and winter charm, start with the Soup Lover’s Mysteries under her pen name, Connie Archer.

The Zodiac Mysteries Reading Order

This series stars Julia Bonatti, a professional astrologer based in San Francisco who uses her knowledge of the stars, charts, and human nature to solve crimes. The series blends traditional cozy elements (like Julia's beloved cats and San Francisco neighborhood charm) with darker, high-stakes suspense, creating a unique subgenre the author describes as "cozy noir."

Readers can choose to read the series in two ways: publication order or chronological order. Although Enter a Wizard, Stage Left is a prequel, it was written and released later in response to fan requests. Because it contains deep background details, reading it first is optional but highly satisfying for those who want Julia's full backstory from the beginning.

Zodiac Mysteries in Publication Order

  1. The Madness of Mercury (2016) - Julia faces a cult leader exploiting a chaotic Mercury retrograde.
  2. All Signs Point to Murder (2017) - Julia investigates a wedding-day murder linked to astrological charts.
  3. Tail of the Dragon (2018) - Going undercover at a law firm to track down death threats.
  4. Enter a Wizard, Stage Left (2021) - A prequel novella detailing Julia's introduction to astrology.
  5. Serpent's Doom (2022) - Julia works to clear a colleague's name while navigating dark secrets.
  6. The Light Beside the Sea (2024) - A deep dive into the mysterious past of Julia's deceased fiancé.

Zodiac Mysteries in Chronological Order

  1. Enter a Wizard, Stage Left (2021, Prequel Novella)
  2. The Madness of Mercury (2016)
  3. All Signs Point to Murder (2017)
  4. Tail of the Dragon (2018)
  5. Serpent's Doom (2022)
  6. The Light Beside the Sea (2024)

The Soup Lover's Mysteries (Writing as Connie Archer)

Set in the snowy, picturesque village of Snowflake, Vermont, this traditional culinary cozy series follows Lucky Jamieson. After a family tragedy, Lucky returns to her hometown to run the soup shop shop inherited from her parents. She quickly finds herself serving up comfort food alongside solutions to local murders. Because the characters evolve and relationships develop over time, it is highly recommended to read this series in strict publication order.

Soup Lover's Mysteries Order

  1. A Spoonful of Murder (2012)
  2. A Broth of Betrayal (2013)
  3. A Roux of Revenge (2014)
  4. Ladle to the Grave (2015)
  5. A Clue in the Stew (2016)

What to Know Before You Start

Connie di Marco's dual writing identity allows her to cater to different moods. The Connie Archer books are classic culinary cozies, complete with delicious soup recipes at the back of each book, focusing on community, small-town secrets, and warmth. In contrast, the Connie di Marco books lean into "cozy noir." While they avoid graphic gore, they feature more intense psychological elements, stalking, cult dynamics, and ongoing mysteries, such as the hit-and-run death of Julia's fiancé that culminates in The Light Beside the Sea.

Frequently Asked

Who is Connie Archer?

Connie Archer is the pen name used by author Connie di Marco to write her bestselling Soup Lover's Mysteries series.

What is "cozy noir"?

Cozy noir is a term Connie di Marco uses to describe her Zodiac Mysteries. It combines the community warmth and amateur sleuth tropes of a cozy mystery with the darker suspense, psychological tension, and gritty atmospheres of noir fiction.

Should the Zodiac Mysteries be read in order?

Yes. While each book features a self-contained murder investigation, there is significant character development and an overarching mystery regarding the death of Julia's fiancé that runs throughout the series.

Where does the prequel novella Enter a Wizard, Stage Left fit in?

Chronologically, Enter a Wizard, Stage Left takes place first. However, since it was published in 2021 (after the third novel), it can be read either first as an introduction or fourth as a flashback story.

Do the Soup Lover's Mysteries include recipes?

Yes, each book in the Soup Lover's Mysteries features a selection of seasonal soup recipes at the back of the book.

Are there any plans for more Soup Lover's Mysteries?

The Soup Lover's Mysteries concluded as a five-book series ending with A Clue in the Stew in 2016. The author has focused on the Zodiac Mysteries since then.