Where to Start Reading E.J. Copperman
For most readers, the absolute best place to begin is with the Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries. This is E.J. Copperman’s flagship series and the perfect introduction to his signature blend of cozy mystery, dry sarcasm, and grounded supernatural elements. Starting with the debut novel, Night of the Living Deed, introduces you to the core dynamics that define Copperman’s writing style: relatable, hardworking protagonists, snappy dialogue, and a close-knit, quirky community.
If you prefer a mystery series without any paranormal elements, the Jersey Girl Legal Mysteries (featuring prosecutor Sandy Moss) is a fantastic alternative starting point. It offers a more traditional, fast-paced legal procedural tone while maintaining the trademark humor and New Jersey attitude. For fans of classic science-fiction tropes turned cozy, the Fran and Ken Stein Mysteries offers a modern, electrical spin on the classic Frankenstein tale.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
E.J. Copperman’s books are best read in publication order within their respective series. While the individual mystery plots in each book are resolved by the final page—making them technically readable as standalones—the character relationships, personal lives, and overarching subplots develop significantly from book to book. Reading out of order will spoil major life changes, romantic developments, and career shifts for the recurring cast members.
Fortunately, there are no complicated chronological timeline shifts or prequels to worry about; the internal timelines of the series match their publication dates. Below, we break down the definitive reading order for each of Copperman’s distinct series.
Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries Reading Order
Set on the Jersey Shore, this series follows Alison Kerby, a divorced single mother trying to renovate a Victorian guesthouse in Harbor Haven, only to discover it is occupied by two permanent (and very vocal) ghosts, Paul and Maxie. To keep her business afloat and protect her daughter, Alison reluctantly team up with her spectral residents to solve local murders.
- Night of the Living Deed (2010)
- An Uninvited Ghost (2011)
- Old Haunts (2012)
- A Wild Ghost Chase (2012) - Note: This is a spin-off novella.
- Chance of a Ghost (2013)
- An Open Spook (2013) - Note: This is a holiday novella.
- The Thrill of the Haunt (2013)
- Inspector Specter (2014)
- Ghost in the Wind (2015)
- Spouse on Haunted Hill (2016)
- The Hostess with the Ghostess (2018)
- Bones Behind the Wheel (2019)
Asperger’s Mysteries Reading Order
Co-written with his own alter ego, Jeff Cohen, this neurodiverse cozy series introduces Samuel Hoenig. Samuel runs a unique business called "Questions Answered," where he uses his brilliant, logic-driven mind to find answers to specific queries. He is assisted by his associate, Janet Washburn, who helps navigate the social and interpersonal complexities of their investigations.
- The Question of the Missing Head (2014)
- The Question of the Unfamiliar Husband (2015)
- The Question of the Felonious Friend (2016)
- The Question of the Absentee Father (2017)
- The Question of the Dead Mistress (2018)
Jersey Girl Legal Mysteries Reading Order
This series stars Sandy Moss, a gritty New Jersey family court lawyer who moves to sunny Los Angeles, California, to start a new career. Sandy quickly finds herself in over her head, defending high-profile clients in murder cases while clashing with West Coast culture.
- Inherit the Shoes (2020)
- Judgment at Santa Monica (2021)
- Witness for the Persecution (2022)
- And Justice for Mall (2022)
- My Cousin Skinny (2023)
- Good Lieutenant (2024)
Fran and Ken Stein Mysteries Reading Order
Fran and Ken Stein are siblings who run a private investigation agency in New York City. The catch? They aren't entirely human. Created in a laboratory, these Frankenstein-like detectives possess immense strength and must plug themselves into electrical outlets to recharge, all while trying to blend into everyday society.
- Ukulele of Death (2023)
- Same Difference (2024)
- Switcheroo (2025)
Other E.J. Copperman Mystery Series
Agent to the Paws Mysteries
This lighthearted two-book series features Kayla Green, a theatrical agent who represents animal actors in show business, only to find her clients (and their owners) frequently entangled in criminal investigations.
- Dog Dish of Doom (2017)
- Bird, Bath, and Beyond (2018)
Mysterious Detective Mysteries
A meta-fictional duology where mystery author Rachel Goldman is shocked when a man calling himself Duffy Madison—the fictional main character of her own books—shows up in real life, with no memory of his past before the day she started writing him.
- Written Off (2016)
- Edited Out (2017)
What to Know Before You Start
E.J. Copperman is the pen name of author Jeff Cohen. When reading the Asperger's Mysteries, you will notice the books are officially credited to both E.J. Copperman and Jeff Cohen, which the author frequently jokes is a collaboration with himself. While the series do not cross over in major novel-length plots, the author maintains a cohesive tone of dry, fast-paced humor, and subtle nods to his other works can be spotted by eagle-eyed fans. Most notably, characters from Harbor Haven made a brief return in the short story "Under a Fool Moon," published in the November/December 2023 issue of Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.