C.S. Poe Books in Order

Where to Start with C.S. Poe

For readers new to C.S. Poe, the absolute best starting point is The Mystery of Nevermore, the first book in the acclaimed Snow & Winter series. This novel introduces antique dealer Sebastian Snow and homicide detective Calvin Winter. Their relationship and the mystery plots established here lay the groundwork for a broader shared universe. Alternatively, if you prefer a gritty, modern police procedural with a neurodivergent protagonist and cold-case investigations, you can start directly with Madison Square Murders, the opener of the Memento Mori series.

The Chronological Shared Mystery Universe Order

With the exception of the contemporary romance series A Lancaster Story, all of C.S. Poe's mystery series are "true series." They must be read in order within their respective series to appreciate character development and overarching plotlines. However, because several of these series occupy a single shared universe, their storylines intersect. For the ultimate reading experience, the author recommends following this chronological timeline:

1. The Mystery of Nevermore (Snow & Winter #1)
2. The Mystery of the Curiosities (Snow & Winter #2)
3. Southernmost Murder (Standalone Mystery Novel)
4. The Mystery of the Moving Image (Snow & Winter #3)
5. The Mystery of the Bones (Snow & Winter #4)
6. A Friend in the Dark (Auden & O'Callaghan #1)
7. A Friend in the Fire (Auden & O'Callaghan #2)
8. A Friend in the Glass (Auden & O'Callaghan #3)
9. Madison Square Murders (Memento Mori #1)
10. Subway Slayings (Memento Mori #2)
11. Broadway Butchery (Memento Mori #3)
12. The Mystery of the Spirits (Snow & Winter #5 / Book 6)
13. Hudson River Homicides (Memento Mori #4)

Note: The short story collection Interlude contains multiple quick entries in the Snow & Winter series. Each story in the collection includes notes indicating exactly where it falls relative to the main books, though they are best enjoyed after finishing the first four main novels.

Series Breakdowns

Snow & Winter Series

The Snow & Winter series centers on Sebastian Snow, an antique shop owner in New York City with a knack for stumbling into murder investigations, and his partner, NYPD Detective Calvin Winter. The mysteries are heavily influenced by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, adding a layer of historical and literary intrigue.

• The Mystery of Nevermore (2016) – Sebastian finds a heart in an antique box, sparking an investigation that forces him into Calvin's orbit.
• The Mystery of the Curiosities (2017) – A mystery involving Victorian-era anatomical models and secrets hidden in the walls of Sebastian's shop.
• The Mystery of the Moving Image (2018) – Sebastian becomes entangled in a case involving early cinema history and silent films.
• The Mystery of the Bones (2019) – A construction site unearths historical skeletal remains, leading to a decades-old puzzle.
• Interlude (2020) – A compilation of novellas and short stories expanding on Sebastian and Calvin's relationship.
• The Mystery of the Spirits (2021) – Sebastian investigates a haunting mystery involving Spiritualism and historical seances.

Memento Mori Series

Set in New York City, this series follows Everett Larkin, a detective in the NYPD's Cold Case Squad who suffers from traumatic brain injury-induced hyperthymesia (an exceptional ability to remember near-exact details of his life). His life is upended when he is paired with Detective Ira Doyle of the Forensic Anthropology Unit to solve cases where cold cases turn warm.

• Madison Square Murders (2021) – Larkin is called to a crime scene where remains are left in a public square, linking to a case from his past.
• Subway Slayings (2022) – A mystery unfolding in the subterranean depths of the New York City transit system.
• Broadway Butchery (2023) – The detectives investigate murders intersecting with the theater district and historical performance spaces.
• Hudson River Homicides (2025) – Larkin and Doyle face a complex web of murders along the waterfront.

An Auden & O'Callaghan Mystery Series

Co-authored with Gregory Ashe, this series features Rufus O'Callaghan, a confidential informant with a checkered history, and Sam Auden, an ex-Army drifter. It is a gritty, fast-paced mystery series set in the same shared universe.

• A Friend in the Dark (2020) – Rufus and Sam are thrown together in the wake of a dark conspiracy.
• A Friend in the Fire (2021) – The duo investigates arson and murder.
• A Friend in the Glass (2024) – Rufus and Sam confront deep-seated secrets and personal demons.

Magic & Steam Series

This series departs from contemporary mystery, delivering an 1880s steampunk/dieselpunk adventure featuring Gunner the Engineer and Gillian the Gangster. It follows their exploits in an alternate historical setting powered by machinery, alchemy, and magic.

• The Engineer (2020)
• The Gangster (2020)
• The Doctor (2022)
• The Councilman (Expected Q3 2026 – currently in production)

A Lancaster Story Series

Unlike the mystery series, this is a contemporary M/M romance trilogy set in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. These books do not need to be read in numerical order, though reading them in sequence provides the best context for the community.

• Kneading You (2020)
• Joy (2020)
• Color of You (2020)

What to Know Before You Start

C.S. Poe is known for her meticulous attention to historical detail, Gilded Age New York references, and authentic LGBTQ+ representation. Her contemporary mysteries are police procedurals at heart, balanced with slow-burn romance and sharp, witty dialogue. Because the shared mystery universe features recurring side characters and intersecting cases, following the recommended chronological reading order will prevent minor spoilers and enrich your understanding of the characters' lives.