Duffy Brown Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Duffy Brown

Duffy Brown (the pen name of contemporary romance writer Dianne Castell) has crafted three distinct mystery series that invite readers to escape to delightful, atmospheric settings. If you are new to her work, you have two excellent entry points depending on your preferred backdrop:

• For Southern charm and consignment shopping: Start with Iced Chiffon (2012), the book that kicks off the Consignment Shop Mysteries set in Savannah, Georgia. This is the series that earned her an Agatha Award nomination for Best First Novel.
• For car-free island adventures and bicycle paths: Start with Geared for the Grave (2014), the debut of the Cycle Path Mysteries set on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
• For historic homes and family antics: Start with Murder, Mayhem and 4 of a Kind (2023), which launches the High Cotton Mysteries.

While the mysteries in each book are self-contained and can technically be read as standalones, the relationships, career shifts, and personal growth of the sleuths develop continuously. For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read each series in its publication order.

The Consignment Shop Mysteries

This series stars Reagan Summerside, a recently divorced woman who finds herself financially depleted but armed with a historic Savannah home, a massive wardrobe of designer clothes, and a sassy attitude. To make ends meet, Reagan opens a consignment shop named 'The Prissy Fox.' Together with her vivacious Auntie KiKi (who runs a neighboring dance studio) and her trusty dog Bruce Willis, Reagan finds herself repeatedly tangled up in local murders, often clashing with handsome defense attorney Walker Boone.

Here is the recommended reading order for the Consignment Shop Mysteries:

1. Iced Chiffon (2012) – The series opener introduces Reagan as she deals with a difficult ex-husband, a new business venture, and a dead body found right in her consignment shop.
2. Killer in Crinolines (2013) – Auntie KiKi becomes the prime suspect when a local developer is found dead, leaving Reagan to clear her aunt's name.
3. Pearls and Poison (2014) – Reagan's mother, a prominent judge, is accused of poisoning a political opponent, prompting Reagan to dig up family secrets.
4. Dead Man Walker (2015) – A bridging novella (frequently listed as Book 3.5) where Reagan has to investigate a crime during a Savannah heatwave, adding romantic tension with Walker Boone.
5. Demise in Denim (2015) – Reagan is hired to clean out an old house, only to uncover a long-hidden corpse and secrets that threaten local Savannah elites.
6. Lethal in Old Lace (2018) – A wedding dress brings nothing but bad luck when the designer is murdered and Reagan is caught in the crosshairs.
7. Wedding Day and Foul Play (2021) – The long-awaited wedding bells are interrupted by a corpse, testing Reagan's sleuthing skills and her relationship goals.

The Cycle Path Mysteries

Stepping away from the humid squares of Georgia, this series takes readers to the picturesque, car-free paradise of Mackinac Island, Michigan. The protagonist is Evie Bloomfield, a former Los Angeles resident who flees her troubled life to work at a local bicycle shop. Since cars are banned on the island, the sleuthing is done on two wheels, offering a unique, breezy, and fast-paced atmosphere.

Read the Cycle Path Mysteries in this order:

1. Geared for the Grave (2014) – Evie Bloomfield arrives on Mackinac Island and must quickly solve the murder of a wealthy resident to save her employer's father from prison.
2. Braking for Bodies (2016) – As the tourist season heats up, Evie pedals into a new investigation when a historic building preservationist is found dead.
3. Tandem Demise (2018) – Evie's sleuthing goes double-time as she navigates local smugglers, a fugitive police chief, and an island-wide scandal.

The High Cotton Mysteries

In 2023, Duffy Brown returned to Savannah, Georgia, to launch a brand-new cozy series. The High Cotton Mysteries introduce Nola Cottonwood, a sharp real estate attorney who leaves Atlanta to return to her roots. She visits her aunts, Flossie and Adaline, who own a grand historic home called 'High Cotton' that doubles as a local beauty salon and event venue.

1. Murder, Mayhem and 4 of a Kind (2023) – Nola has to step in when a local developer is murdered and her eccentric aunts become the prime suspects in the crime.

Cozy Chicks Kitchen Non-Fiction

In addition to her fiction work, Duffy Brown is a member of the 'Cozy Chicks,' a collaborative group of cozy mystery authors. Together, they have published several non-fiction cookbooks that combine favorite recipes, anecdotes, and kitchen tips for cozy mystery fans. While not narrative mysteries, they are fun companion books for readers who love cooking alongside their sleuthing.

• The Cozy Chicks Kitchen (2012)
• Tea Time with the Cozy Chicks (2015)
• The Cozy Chicks Picnic (2021)

What to Know Before You Start

Duffy Brown's books are beloved for their lighthearted humor, vivid descriptions of regional architecture and food, and quirky sidekicks. The romantic tension is a slow-burn subplot in both the Consignment Shop and Cycle Path series, providing a satisfying overall arc across the books. The mysteries are cozy, meaning they avoid explicit graphic violence or language, making them perfect reads for a relaxing afternoon or vacation escape.