Danielle Collins Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Danielle Collins

With over forty books spread across several distinct series, diving into the cozy mystery world of Danielle Collins can feel like stepping into a sprawling library. Fortunately, her work is highly organized by series, making it easy to find your footing. The best place to start depends entirely on what cozy subgenre you prefer:

• For the Classic Cozy Vibe: Start with Murder Mystery Book Club, the first book in the Florida Keys Bed & Breakfast series. It features Eva Stewart, a sunny coastal setting, a book club, and a very opinionated parrot. This series is Collins's most popular and represents her signature style.
• For Culinary Mystery Lovers: Begin with Croissants and Corruption, the debut of the Margot Durand series. Following a French baker in Virginia, this series is packed with delicious pastry descriptions and small-town gossip.
• For Antique Shop Intrigue: Pick up Heirlooms and Homicide, which kicks off the 12-book Hearts Grove series. It stars Henrietta Hewitt, who has a knack for uncovering secrets hidden inside vintage collectibles.

Danielle Collins Books in Order: Publication vs. Chronological Order

For all of Danielle Collins's series, chronological order matches publication order perfectly. There are no complicated prequels or time-jumps to worry about. Additionally, because each series takes place in its own self-contained setting with a unique cast of characters, you do not need to read the different series in any specific order. You can easily binge-read all of Margot Durand before starting Dog Leg Cove without missing any crossover details.

However, within each individual series, it is highly recommended to read in publication order. While the mystery in each book is fully resolved, the protagonist's personal relationships, business ventures, and overarching character arcs develop chronologically from book to book.

The Florida Keys Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery Series

Set in a beautiful tropical bed-and-breakfast, this series follows Eva Stewart as she balances running her business, managing her talkative pet parrot, and consulting with her local book club to solve local homicides. It is lighthearted, sunny, and highly engaging.

1. Murder Mystery Book Club (2021)
2. The Graveyard Thief (2021)
3. On the Wings of Murder (2021)
4. The Hunt for Hemingway (2021)
5. A Memoir of Mystery (2021)
6. Murder and Misdirection (2022)

The Hearts Grove Cozy Mystery Series

This series takes readers to the Pacific Northwest in the quaint town of Hearts Grove. Henrietta Hewitt, owner of the local antique shop, frequently finds that old objects carry deadly secrets. With 12 books, it is one of Collins's most established series.

1. Heirlooms and Homicide (2019)
2. Break-ins and Bloodshed (2019)
3. Lights Out at the Lighthouse (2019)
4. A Body Below Ground (2019)
5. Libraries and Larceny (2019)
6. Impersonation and Investigation (2019)
7. Festivals and Fatalities (2019)
8. Murder at the Mansion (2019)
9. Fatality in the Forest (2020)
10. Death by Dessert (2020)
11. A Fatal Affair (2020)
12. Body in the Basement (2022)

The Margot Durand Cozy Mystery Series

Combining culinary delights with murder investigations, this series features Margot Durand, a skilled French baker operating in Virginia. The series concluded in 2018 after a highly successful 12-book run.

1. Croissants and Corruption (2017)
2. Desserts and Deception (2017)
3. Pastries and Pilfering (2017)
4. Muffins and Murder (2017)
5. Vacations and Violence (2017)
6. Boating and Bodies (2017)
7. Murder in Maine (2017)
8. Bakeries and Bodies (2017)
9. A Deadly Engagement (2018)
10. A Killer Cover Up (2018)
11. Catering and Crime (2018)
12. Murder and Matrimony (2018)

Collaborations and Co-Authored Series

Collins has frequently teamed up with other cozy mystery authors to co-write lighthearted collaborative series. These are excellent choices if you enjoy team-ups and slightly different writing dynamics.

Dog Leg Cove Cozy Mystery Series (with Susan Harper)

Co-written with Susan Harper, this 5-book series is set in a unique marina where residents live on houseboats alongside their dogs. Regina 'Reggie' Slim inherits the marina and quickly finds herself acting as the local amateur sleuth.

1. Murder at the Marina (2022)
2. Lethal Logging (2022)
3. Murder is Afoot (2022)
4. Fishing for Clues (2022)
5. Fatal Fungus (2022)

Pearl Sands Beach Resort Cozy Mystery Series (with Millie Briggs)

Co-authored with Millie Briggs, this series stars Charlene 'Charlie' Davis, a retired private investigator seeking a peaceful retreat at the Pearl Sands Beach Resort. Naturally, crime follows her to paradise.

1. Poison in Paradise (2023)
2. Clues in the Clay (2023)
3. Theft in the Theater (2023)
4. Trouble in Town (2024)
5. Vanished Visitor (2024)

Skye Williams Kenyan Cozy Mystery Series

A short series following Skye Williams, who returns to her childhood coastal home in Kenya from America, only to be accused of her neighbor's murder. She must use her street smarts to clear her name.

1. Murder by the Sea (2024)
2. Campfire Fatality (2024)

What to Know Before You Start

Danielle Collins’s novels are classic, low-stress cozy mysteries. You won’t find graphic violence or heavy gore here. Instead, expect a focus on puzzles, close-knit communities, beautiful backdrops, and lovable animal sidekicks. The books are relatively quick reads, making them ideal for weekend relaxation or vacation reading.