Dianne Harman Reading Order: The Recommended Path
With well over 150 books under her belt, Dianne Harman is one of the most prolific authors in the modern cozy mystery genre. Because her books are divided into distinct, self-contained series, you do not need to read all of her works in one giant chronological sequence. Instead, the best way to tackle her bibliography is series by series. Within each series, books should be read in publication order, as the recurring characters, romantic subplots, and accompanying animal companions develop sequentially over time.
The Cozy Route: Start with Cedar Bay
If you want the quintessential Dianne Harman experience, the absolute best place to start is the Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery Series. This was her first cozy mystery series, beginning with Kelly's Koffee Shop (2014). It sets the template for almost all of her cozy series: a resilient female protagonist, a scenic setting, a charming dog companion, and plenty of delicious recipes. Starting here allows you to see how Harman's signature style developed and introduces you to her most beloved characters.
The Suspense Route: Start with the Coyote Series
If you prefer psychological thrillers and high-stakes suspense over lighthearted amateur sleuthing, you should begin with her debut work, the Coyote Series. Beginning with Blue Coyote Motel (2012), this trilogy features a darker tone, focusing on global adventures, art theft, and psychological intrigue. Reading the Coyote trilogy first gives you a great appreciation of Harman's versatility before you settle into her cozy mysteries.
The Cozy Mystery Series: Characters, Companions, and Locations
Dianne Harman's cozy mysteries are famous for their regional settings, strong-willed heroines, and faithful pets. Here is a breakdown of her major cozy series based on their unique themes and starting points:
Cedar Bay Cozy Mysteries
Set in a cozy coastal town in Oregon, this 24-book series follows Kelly Connor, a widow who runs a local coffee shop. Alongside her loyal boxer dog Rebel and her sheriff boyfriend Mike, Kelly manages to find herself at the center of local murder investigations. The series concludes (in our local database) with Ransom (2024). This series is highly recommended for readers who love small-town dynamics and coastal atmospheres.
Liz Lucas Cozy Mysteries
This series moves the action to a beautiful forest setting north of San Francisco. The protagonist, Liz Lucas, runs the Red Cedar Lodge and Spa. She is accompanied by her boxer dog, Brandy Boy. The series begins with Murder in Cottage #6 (2015) and spans 13 books. It is perfect for fans of resort settings, spa themes, and canine sidekicks.
High Desert Cozy Mysteries
Set in Palm Springs and the surrounding California high desert, this 17-book series features Marty Morgan, a divorced antique and art appraiser. Marty is assisted by her psychic sister Laura, her detective boyfriend Jeff Combs, and her unique black Labrador retriever Duke (who is famously known for wearing pink booties on his paws to protect them from the desert heat). The series begins with Murder and the Monkey Band (2015).
Cottonwood Springs Cozy Mysteries
Spanning 23 books, this series takes readers to the mountains of Colorado. Protagonist Brigid McDonald moves back to her hometown after a divorce and bankruptcy. Alongside her dog Jett and her helpful neighbor Linc Olson, she solves local crimes. The series starts with Murder in Cottonwood Springs (2018) and runs through Murder in Cabin 3 (2023).
Chef Dani Rosetti Cozy Mysteries
Combining culinary mysteries with private investigation, this series features professional chef Dani Rosetti. She travels to luxury locations like the St. Regis or Kauai, cooking gourmet meals and solving crimes with her partner Arthur, who runs an international private investigation agency. The series starts with Murder at the St. Regis (2020) and contains 16 books.
Northwest Cozy Mysteries
This series highlights the Pacific Northwest, starting in Washington state with Murder on Bainbridge Island (2017). Following protagonist Meg Webb, this 24-book series takes readers on a tour of scenic locations including Bainbridge Island, Seattle, and Whistler, blending beautiful landscapes with clever puzzles.
Midwest Cozy Mysteries
For a change of scenery, the Midwest series starts with Murdered by Words (2016) and follows author Taylor Morrison across 13 books as she travels and solves crimes in locations ranging from small Midwestern towns to international destinations like Italy and Seychelles.
Ozarks and Clean Sweep Cozy Mysteries
Harman's newer series include the Ozarks Cozy Mystery Series (11 books starting with Murder in the Attic in 2023) and the Clean Sweep Cozy Mysteries (8 books starting with A Sparkling Deceit in 2023), which follows a cleaning lady named Jane as she sweeps up clues and uncovers secrets.
The Thrillers: Coyote, Red Zero, and Slade Kelly
In addition to her cozy mysteries, Harman has written several suspense and thriller series that feature a much faster pace and higher stakes:
- Coyote Books: A trilogy (Blue Coyote Motel, Coyote in Provence, and Cornered Coyote) that blends psychological suspense, romance, and international crime.
- Red Zero Series: A sci-fi or high-tech suspense trilogy starting with Red Zero (2018).
- Slade Kelly Short Reads: Quick suspense reads starting with Black Dots (2018).
What to Know Before You Start
Before you dive in, there are a few delightful quirks of Dianne Harman's books you should know about. First, almost every cozy mystery book she writes includes a selection of mouthwatering recipes at the end, inspired by the food featured in the story. Second, she is a passionate animal lover, and dogs are central to her stories; her own boxer dog, Kelly, was the inspiration for the name of the protagonist in her very first cozy mystery. Lastly, while the books in each series are best read in order to follow the character relationships, the individual mysteries are self-contained, meaning you won't be left on a cliffhanger regarding the crime itself.