Where to Start Reading C.T. Mitchell
With a large library spanning multiple mystery subgenres, C.T. Mitchell is best approached by deciding whether you prefer gritty detective fiction or cozy, small-town sleuthing. For fans of fast-paced police procedurals with an international edge, the clear starting point is Dead Shot, the first book in the Detective Jack Creed series. If you favor lighthearted amateur sleuths, start with Murder At The Fete, which introduces the popular Lady Margaret Turnbull Cozy Mysteries.
The Detective Jack Creed Series
Detective Jack Creed has been described as “Rebus in a Valentino suit.” He is a tough, relentless investigator working across Australian and global backdrops. The books in this series should be read in publication order to track Jack Creed's personal development and continuous career arcs. The first seven novellas were released in rapid succession, establishing a tight, serialized narrative style.
- Dead Shot (2015)
- Dead Ringer (2015)
- Dead Wrong (2015)
- Dead Boss (2015)
- Dead Stakes (2015)
- Dead Lucky (2015)
- Dead Silence (2015)
- Murder Secret / Breaking Point (2020)
- Dead Agent (2020)
Lady Margaret Turnbull Cozy Mysteries
Set in the peaceful Australian village of Bangalow, this series follows Lady Margaret Turnbull, a 50-something widow with a knack for amateur detection. She often assists, and occasionally irritates, the local police, particularly Detective Tom Sullivan. This series is excellent for readers who enjoy traditional British-style cozy mysteries transplanted to rural Australia. They are best read in order of release to appreciate the recurring characters of Bangalow.
- Murder At The Fete (2015)
- Murder in the Village (2015)
- Murder in the Cemetery (2015)
- Murder in the Valley (2015)
- Murder at the Manor (2015)
- Murder in the Frame (2016)
- Murder of Sweet Innocence (2020)
- Murder and the Secret Sauce (2020)
- Murder Amongst The Leaves (2020)
- Murder and the Christmas Chair (2020)
Kate Mackenzie "Sugar 'N' Spice" Mysteries
This culinary cozy mystery series centers on Kate Mackenzie. Featuring plenty of baking, village drama, and small-town crime, it is a spin-off of the cozy formula that Mitchell refined. Follow this order:
- Deadly Vows (2015)
- Deadly Liaisons (2015)
- Deadly Soiree (2016)
- Deadly Birthday (2017)
- Deadly Finale (2017)
- Deadly Mix (2017)
Father Douglas Mystery Books
The Father Douglas books combine traditional mysteries with a clerical protagonist, recalling classic figures like Father Brown. He solves localized puzzles within his community.
- Murder and the Mechanic (2015)
- Murder and the Jewelry Box (2015)
- Murder And The Monk (2017)
Indian Culinary Mystery & Miss Coco
For readers looking for quick, themed mysteries, Mitchell has penned shorter culinary runs and animal-led stories. The Indian Culinary series stars Selena Sharma, while the Miss Coco series features a feline assistant and a photographer named Taylor Mitchell.
Indian Culinary Mysteries
- Murder by Butter Chicken (2017)
- Murder of a Bollywood Queen (2017)
Miss Coco Mysteries
- Poolside Catastrophe (2018)
- Accidental Catastrophe (2019)
What to Know Before You Start
C.T. Mitchell specialises in "short reads" designed for modern, busy readers. Many of his works are quick, punchy novellas that can easily be read in a single sitting. While his books are structured into distinct series, they are frequently repackaged into box sets and omnibus collections (such as A Recipe For Murder or Murder in the District), so double-check the individual story titles before purchasing to avoid duplicates. Additionally, note that the eighth Jack Creed book, Murder Secret, was originally published under the title Breaking Point.