Where to Begin: The Recommended Reading Path
If you are new to Dorothy Cannell’s witty, warm, and eccentric mysteries, the absolute best place to start is at the very beginning of her signature series. Grab a copy of The Thin Woman (1984). This debut novel introduces Ellie Haskell (née Simons), a passionate but self-conscious interior decorator whose life takes a wild, comedic turn when she is tasked with a bizarre inheritance quest at her late uncle's estate. It is here that she meets her future husband, the handsome chef and writer Ben Haskell, and the unforgettable Tramwell sisters.
For readers who prefer a historical flavor, you can also start with Murder at Mullings (2014), which launches her 1930s-set Florence Norris series. While both entry points showcase Cannell’s dry British humor, starting with Ellie Haskell gives you a front-row seat to one of the pioneering series of the modern cozy mystery genre.
The Ellie Haskell Mysteries: Reading Order & Crossover Details
Ellie Haskell's adventures are best read in order of publication. Because Ellie gets married, has children, and goes through various stages of life, the character development and running jokes build directly from one book to the next. Reading them out of order will spoil major relationship milestones.
However, there is a minor chronological caveat that often puzzles new readers: the position of Down the Garden Path (1985). Officially, this book is a standalone starring a different protagonist, Tessa Fields. However, it takes place in the same universe and features the eccentric, elderly sisters Hyacinth and Primrose Tramwell, who play major roles in the Ellie Haskell series. Many reading order guides insert it as "Book 1.5" or "Book 2" of the Ellie Haskell series. We recommend reading it right after The Thin Woman to get the full story of the Tramwell sisters before they return in The Widow's Club.
Ellie Haskell & Tessa Fields Publication Order
- The Thin Woman (1984) – Introduces Ellie Simons, Merlin's Court, and the legendary family reunion.
- Down the Garden Path (1985) – Technically a Tessa Fields novel, but introduces the background of the Tramwell sisters.
- The Widow's Club (1988) – Ellie and Ben are married, and Ellie investigates a suspicious society for widows.
- Mum's the Word (1990) – Ellie navigates motherhood, pregnancy, and a new murder mystery.
- Femmes Fatal (1992) – Ellie joins a local women's group that turns out to have deadly secrets.
- How to Murder Your Mother-In-Law (1994) – Ellie copes with her overbearing in-laws and a sudden death.
- How to Murder the Man of Your Dreams (1995) – A hilarious look at writers, romance novels, and homicide.
- The Spring Cleaning Murders (1998) – Ellie becomes involved in a murder mystery when a cleaning lady is found dead.
- The Trouble with Harriet (1999) – Ellie's father arrives with the ashes of his late girlfriend, and chaos ensues.
- Bridesmaids Revisited (2000) – Ellie attends a reunion of her childhood friends, only to find one has been murdered.
- The Importance of Being Ernestine (2002) – Ellie is hired to impersonate a missing woman, leading to family secrets.
- Withering Heights (2007) – A Gothic-inspired mystery taking place at a remote estate.
- Goodbye, Ms. Chips (2008) – Ellie returns to her old boarding school and uncovers a web of secrets.
- She Shoots to Conquer (2009) – Ellie deals with a reality television crew filming at Merlin's Court.
The Florence Norris Historical Mysteries
In 2014, Dorothy Cannell introduced a brand new series set in 1930s England. The books follow Florence Norris, the quiet but sharp-eyed housekeeper of Mullings, a grand country estate owned by the Stodmarsh family. These books are wonderful for fans of Downton Abbey-style class dynamics mixed with traditional English cozy mysteries. Unlike the Ellie Haskell series, which is heavily comedic and modern, the Florence Norris books are more understated and classic in tone.
Florence Norris Series Order
- Murder at Mullings (2014) – Florence investigates when a guest is murdered during a weekend house party.
- Death at Dovecote Hatch (2015) – A murder in a nearby village brings suspicion close to the estate.
- Peril in the Parish (2022) – Florence's quiet life is disrupted once again by local secrets and a deadly crime.
Standalone Novels and Short Story Collections
If you want a break from Cannell's long-running series, she has also written standalone books and award-winning short stories. These can be read at any time without worrying about series continuity.
- God Save the Queen! (1997) – A delightful standalone cozy mystery set at Gossinger Hall, focusing on butler's granddaughter Flora Hutchins, who is caught in a web of murder and inheritance.
- The Family Jewels and Other Stories (2001) – A collection of eleven short stories. The title story, "The Family Jewels," won the prestigious Agatha Award for Best Short Story in 1994. Other highlights include "The High Cost of Living" and "Cupid's Arrow."
- Sea Glass Summer (2012) – Set in a beautiful coastal village in Maine, this book is a departure from her standard mysteries, offering a blend of romance, healing, and light drama.
What to Know Before You Start
Dorothy Cannell’s books are celebrated for pioneering the modern cozy mystery genre. While they contain murder, the focus is always on character quirks, witty dialogue, romance, and the domestic lives of the protagonists. The tone is highly theatrical and humorous, reminiscent of classic British stage comedies. Ellie Haskell's narration is self-deprecating and highly entertaining, making her one of the most endearing sleuths of the 1980s and 1990s mystery boom.