Where to Start with Deany Ray
If you are looking for a lighthearted escape filled with humor, quirky characters, and zero gore, Deany Ray is the cozy mystery author for you. Born in Transylvania and now based in Germany, Ray has written multiple popular series that have sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide. For new readers, the best starting points are either her flagship series, the Charlie Cooper Mysteries (starting with Jammed), or her hit witness-protection series, the Piper Harris Mysteries (starting with Coming in Hot).
Because each of Ray's series is set in its own distinct small town with its own recurring cast of characters, you do not need to read the different series in any specific order. However, within each series, it is highly recommended to read the books in order of publication to properly follow the character growth, romantic subplots, and ongoing town dynamics.
Series 1: Charlie Cooper Mysteries
This is Deany Ray's longest-running and most popular series. It follows Charlie Cooper, an underpaid police precinct secretary in the town of Springston who has a knack for finding herself in the middle of chaotic investigations. Charlie starts out doing side-work and undercover tasks, eventually growing into her role as she tackles quirky cases alongside a colorful cast of local sidekicks.
The recommended reading order for the Charlie Cooper Mysteries is its publication order:
- Jammed (2016)
- Pickled (2017)
- Diced (2017)
- Glazed (2018)
- Dazzled (2019)
- Berried (2020)
- Juiced (2020)
- Truffled (2022)
- Jingled (2022)
Note: "Jingled" is a festive, Christmas-themed mystery. While some online lists place its initial release earlier, reading it as a festive capstone to the main run works perfectly for following the progression of Charlie's sleuthing adventures.
Series 2: Piper Harris Mysteries
The Piper Harris series has become a massive fan favorite, boasting thousands of positive reviews for its hilarious and unique premise. The series follows Piper Harris and her grandmother ("Gran"), who are former motorcycle gang members placed in witness protection. Settling into the fictional town of Bitter End, Florida, their attempts to stay low-key are constantly derailed as they keep stumbling onto local murders.
Read the Piper Harris Mysteries in this order:
- Coming in Hot (2023)
- Fool Me Once (2023)
- Bar None (2023)
- Closed Casket (2023)
- Hole in One (2024)
- Be My Valentine (2024)
Series 3: Hailey Webb Mysteries
Set in the sunny coastal town of Palm Shores, California, this series stars Hailey Webb. At 28 years old, Hailey takes a job as an errand runner and assistant for the Palm Shores Gazette. Her routine newspaper runs quickly turn dangerous when she repeatedly runs into crime scenes and finds herself investigating local murders—all while dealing with personal drama, including an untrustworthy former fiancé.
Read the Hailey Webb Mysteries in this order:
- Hot Off the Press (2020)
- Act it Out (2021)
- Off Target (2021)
- Dead Man's Float (2022)
- Pretty Dead (2023)
Series 4: Ouna Bay Cozy Mysteries
This is Deany Ray's earliest series, offering a classic culinary cozy mystery setup. The stories take place in the gorgeous seaside town of Ouna Bay and center on Becky, the proud owner of the Blue Bay Café pastry shop, and her best friend Rosalie. Together, the duo serves up delicious baked goods while cracking local crimes.
The reading order for the Ouna Bay series is:
- A Sweet Chunk of Madness (2015)
- Vanilla Bean Murder (2016)
- Cake Contest Murder (2016)
- Peanut Butter Crumble Murder (2016) (Also published in some collections simply as Ouna Bay Cozy Mystery)
What to Know Before You Start
Deany Ray's books are designed for stress-free reading. You will not find graphic violence, mature content, or harsh profanity in her books. Instead, they focus on humor, strong female friendships, quirky town dynamics, and clean whodunit puzzles. This makes them perfect "bedtime reads" or weekend escapes.
While the mysteries in each book are self-contained and resolved by the final page, the personal lives of the protagonists—especially their relationships, careers, and family dynamics—develop significantly across the books. Skipping around might lead to minor spoilers regarding who is dating whom or career changes, so sticking to the publication orders listed above will give you the most satisfying reading experience.