Denise Jaden Books in Order

Where Should You Start Reading Denise Jaden?

Denise Jaden's writing covers two main areas: emotional contemporary young adult novels and lighthearted cozy mysteries. Because her books span different genres, the best starting point depends entirely on what you enjoy reading:

• For Cozy Mystery Fans: Start with Murder at Mile Marker 18. This book introduces Mallory Beck, a widowed baker in Honeysuckle Grove who, along with her observant cat Hunch, stumbles into amateur sleuthing. It is the perfect entry point to Jaden's cozy style.
• For Fans of Paranormal Cozies: Start with Witchy Wednesday. The Tabitha Chase series takes place in seaside Crystal Cove, featuring a realtor-turned-sleuth, a cat named Sherlock, and a light supernatural element.
• For Young Adult Drama Readers: Start with Jaden's debut novel, Losing Faith, which follows a teen girl investigating the secret life of her deceased sister, or her highly praised second novel, Never Enough, which handles sisterhood and eating disorders with deep sensitivity.
• For Aspiring Writers: Start with Fast Fiction, Jaden's acclaimed nonfiction guide that outlines her fast-drafting method, inspired by writing her debut novel in just 21 days during NaNoWriMo.

The Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Capers

This traditional cozy mystery series is set in the small town of Honeysuckle Grove. The stories follow Mallory Beck, a widow who becomes a local sleuth, accompanied by her highly perceptive cat, Hunch. Each book features culinary themes, small-town secrets, and clean, feel-good whodunits. The series is best read in order of publication to follow Mallory's personal life and relationships.

Mallory Beck Books in Order:

1. Murder at Mile Marker 18 (2020)
2. Murder at the Church Picnic (2020)
3. Mystery of the Holiday Hustle (2020)
4. Murder at the Town Hall (2021)
5. Murder in the Vineyard (2021)
6. Murder at the Montrose Mansion (2021)
7. Murder during the Antique Auction (2021)
8. Murder in New Orleans (2021)
9. Murder in the Secret Cold Case (2021)

Tabitha Chase Days of the Week Mysteries

If you prefer a touch of the supernatural in your mysteries, the Tabitha Chase series is a great choice. Set in Crystal Cove, the books follow Tabitha "Tabby" Chase, a realtor who solves crimes alongside her inherited cat, Sherlock. These mysteries feature a light paranormal twist that sets them apart from the Mallory Beck books. The titles follow a "days of the week" theme and are best enjoyed in order.

Tabitha Chase Books in Order:

1. Witchy Wednesday (2022)
2. Thrilling Thursday (2022)
3. Frightful Friday (2022)
4. Slippery Saturday (2022)
5. Sinister Sunday (2023)
6. Morbid Monday (2023)

Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries

For readers who enjoy travel-themed cozies, this series stars Olivia Ocean, a photographer working aboard the cruise ship Moonlit Majesty. Alongside her sleuthing kitten, Pickle, and the ship's security manager, Olivia solves shipboard crimes. This series should be read in chronological order to follow the ongoing narrative of the ship's voyages.

Olivia Ocean Books in Order:

1. Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold (2024)
2. Murder in the Lookout Lounge (2025)
3. Murder in the Crew Quarters (2025)
4. Murder at the Wrap Party (2025)
5. Murder on the Retro Rewind Cruise (2025)
6. Murder on the Fit and Fabulous Cruise (2026)

Living Out Loud YA Series

Transitioning to young adult fiction, the Living Out Loud series is a contemporary collection of novels following characters Kass Bateman and Eli. The series deals with self-acceptance, family secrets, and the challenges of growing up. Jaden released these books rapidly in 2018. They should be read in order, and fans of the series also recommend reading the companion short story "Bonus Track" (numbered 3.5) between the third and fourth installments.

Living Out Loud Books in Order:

1. Outcast (2018)
2. Roadie (2018)
3. Pusher (2018)
4. Runner (2018)
5. Groupie (2018)
6. Paparazzi (2018)
7. Rockstar (2018)

Standalone YA and Romance Novels

Jaden has written several standalone contemporary young adult novels that do not require any background reading. She also co-authored a small-town contemporary romance novel, Saving Heart & Home, with Nikki Bergstresser, set in the fictional town of Juniper Falls. It is completely standalone and focuses on healing and romance.

Standalone Novels by Publication Year:

• Losing Faith (2010) – Jaden's debut YA novel, written in 21 days during NaNoWriMo.
• Never Enough (2012) – A YA novel exploring sisterhood and eating disorders.
• Foreign Exchange (2014) – A contemporary YA novel.
• A Christmas Kerril (2015) – A festive holiday-themed YA story.
• Avalanche (2016) – A YA drama.
• Saving Heart & Home (2021) – Contemporary romance, co-authored with Nikki Bergstresser.

Co-authored Works and Anthologies

In addition to her solo cozy mystery series, Denise Jaden has collaborated with author Lee Strauss, writing two specific novels in the Rosa Reed Mystery series. These historical mysteries are set in the 1920s and can be read as part of Lee Strauss's larger universe. Jaden has also contributed to multiple-author cozy mystery anthologies.

Collaborations and Anthologies:

• Murder on the Boardwalk (2020) – Rosa Reed Mystery Book 5, co-authored with Lee Strauss.
• Murder on Location (2020) – Rosa Reed Mystery Book 6, co-authored with Lee Strauss.
• When the Cat's Away (2021) – Cozy mystery anthology.
• A Bookworm of a Suspect (2023) – Cozy mystery anthology.

Nonfiction for Writers

Drawing on her experience with fast-drafting, Denise Jaden has published helpful guides for writers. These books are popular in the NaNoWriMo community and offer practical advice on outlining, drafting, and coping with the emotional challenges of writing.

• Writing With A Heavy Heart (2012) – Using emotional experiences to deepen your writing.
• Fast Fiction (2014) – A guide to outlining and drafting a novel quickly.
• Story Sparks (2017) – Exercises and prompts to trigger creative ideas.