Deborah Garner Books in Order

Where to Begin: Recommended Reading Paths

Deborah Garner has created distinct worlds that focus on community, vivid regional atmosphere, and lighthearted mystery. Readers generally divide her books into two primary paths: the Timberton universe (which connects a cozy mystery series with a holiday spin-off) and the Sadie Kramer cozy mysteries.

Path 1: The Timberton / Moonglow Universe

If you enjoy small-town charm, Montana settings, and heartwarming stories, you should start with the Timberton stories. There is a direct connection between the Paige MacKenzie Mysteries and the Moonglow Christmas series through a shared location: Timberton, Montana.

• Start with: The Moonglow Cafe (Book 2 of the Paige MacKenzie series). While it is technically the second book in a mystery series, it introduces the old-fashioned western town of Timberton, the Timberton Hotel, and the artistic chef Mist. Mist's healing culinary presence sets the stage for the holiday spin-off.
• Next: Dive into the Moonglow Christmas novellas starting with Mistletoe at Moonglow. These books focus on holiday magic, recipes, and seasonal guests. Reading them in publication order allows you to see the town and Mist's story evolve year after year.

Path 2: Sadie Kramer Flair Mysteries

If you prefer a classic, lighthearted cozy mystery series featuring a flamboyant senior sleuth and an adorable animal sidekick, this is the path for you.

• Start with: A Flair for Chardonnay. This book introduces Sadie Kramer and her Yorkshire Terrier, Coco, as they get caught up in a vineyard-based mystery. Follow this series strictly in publication order to track the growth of Sadie's relationships and travel adventures.

The Timberton Connection: Prequel and Spin-Offs

A common point of confusion for new readers is the relationship between the Paige MacKenzie Mysteries and the Moonglow Christmas Books. While Paige's series travels to various scenic landscapes across the United States, her second investigation, The Moonglow Cafe, serves as the spiritual prequel to the entire Moonglow holiday series. The character of Mist, who runs the kitchen and charms the guests in the Christmas series, first appears here as a supporting character. The festive spin-off series narrows its focus entirely to the cozy happenings at the Timberton Hotel during the holiday season.

Paige MacKenzie Mystery Series in Publication Order

This series follows New York reporter Paige MacKenzie as she travels to scenic locations, investigating local legends and dark secrets. Each book takes place in a different, beautifully depicted regional setting.

1. Above the Bridge (2012) – Set in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where Paige investigates local legends of buried treasure.
2. The Moonglow Cafe (2014) – Set in Timberton, Montana. This book introduces the Timberton Hotel, sapphire mines, and the chef Mist.
3. Three Silver Doves (2015) – Set in Tres Palomas, New Mexico, where Paige visits a relaxing resort spa only to uncover a puzzle.
4. Hutchins Creek Cache (2016) – Set in Hutchins Creek, Colorado, utilizing the historic Durango-Silverton train line as a backdrop.
5. Crazy Fox Ranch (2018) – Returns to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, featuring the breathtaking Grand Tetons.
6. Sweet Sierra Gulch (2021) – Set in a historic Gold Rush town in California.

Moonglow Christmas Series in Publication Order

These cozy holiday novellas are best read during the winter season. They focus on healing, small-town hospitality, and seasonal romance, and each installment includes real dessert recipes that are featured in the story.

1. Mistletoe at Moonglow (2015)
2. Silver Bells at Moonglow (2016)
3. Gingerbread at Moonglow (2017)
4. Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow (2018)
5. Snowfall at Moonglow (2019)
6. Yuletide at Moonglow (2020)
7. Starlight at Moonglow (2021)
8. Joy at Moonglow (2022)
9. Evergreen Wishes at Moonglow (2023)
10. Angels at Moonglow (2024)
11. Sleigh Bells at Moonglow (2025)

Sadie Kramer Flair Series in Publication Order

This playful cozy mystery series features Sadie Kramer, an eccentric senior sleuth, and her Yorkie companion, Coco. They travel to various destinations, stumbling upon murders and odd crimes along the way.

1. A Flair for Chardonnay (2016) – Set in California's wine country.
2. A Flair for Drama (2017) – Set against the backdrop of a theatrical production.
3. A Flair for Beignets (2018) – A New Orleans culinary mystery.
4. A Flair for Truffles (2019) – A chocolate-themed mystery in Santa Fe.
5. A Flair for Flip-Flops (2019) – A beachside summer investigation.
6. A Flair for Goblins (2020) – A Halloween mystery set in San Francisco.
7. A Flair for Shamrocks (2022) – A St. Patrick's Day themed mystery in an Oregon beach town.
8. A Flair for Vegas (2025) – A weekend getaway mystery in Las Vegas.

Standalones and Culinary Companions

Aside from her main series, Deborah Garner has written a standalone novel and two recipe books that bring the pastries of the Moonglow Christmas series to life.

Standalone Novel

• Cranberry Bluff (2014) – A standalone contemporary novel highlighting themes of mystery and coastal life.

Moonglow Companion Cookbooks

• Sweet Treats: Recipes from the Moonglow Christmas Series (2019) – A collection of holiday recipes featured in the first five books of the series.
• More Sweet Treats: Recipes from the Moonglow Christmas Series (2024) – A follow-up cookbook gathering dessert recipes from books 6 through 10.