Where to Start Reading Elizabeth Bass
With an extensive catalog spanning women's fiction, paranormal romance, and multiple mystery subgenres, deciding where to start with Elizabeth Bass depends entirely on your mood. She writes under her own name as well as the popular pen names Liz Ireland and Liz Freeland.
- For Whimsical Magic & Rom-Coms: Start with A Letter to Three Witches (2022). It kicks off her modern, charming Cupcake Coven series and is the perfect entry point for fans of lighthearted paranormal romance.
- For Heartfelt Family Drama: Begin with her debut, Miss You Most of All (2010), which showcases her knack for writing about sisterhood, second chances, and emotional recovery with a signature Texas flair.
- For Holiday Cozy Mysteries (as Liz Ireland): Dive into Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings (2020) to meet April Claus and explore a fun, murderous twist on the North Pole.
- For Historical Intrigue (as Liz Freeland): Start with Murder in Greenwich Village (2018), a 1913-set mystery introducing the headstrong Louise Faulk as she navigates early police work.
A Cupcake Coven Romance Series
Writing under her own name, Bass created a delightful duology centered around the magical college town of Zenobia, New York. The series follows the Engel family cousins, who are banned from practicing magic but constantly find themselves dealing with supernatural mishaps, enchanted cupcakes, and unexpected love.
- A Letter to Three Witches (2022)
- The Witch Hitch (2023)
Standalone Women's Fiction
For readers who prefer contemporary realism with deep emotional resonance, Bass's standalone novels are excellent choices. These books explore relationships, personal growth, and healing in close-knit communities.
- Miss You Most of All (2010) – A story about sisterhood, recovery, and finding love on an East Texas farm.
- Wherever Grace Is Needed (2011) – A poignant exploration of family bonds, memory, and coping with Alzheimer's disease.
- The Way Back to Happiness (2013) – A story of a young woman rebuilding her life and finding joy after a sudden tragedy.
- Life is Sweet (2014) – A heartwarming tale about family relationships and rediscovering sweet possibilities in life.
The Mrs. Claus Mysteries (Written as Liz Ireland)
Under the pseudonym Liz Ireland, Bass writes the highly popular Mrs. Claus cozy mystery series. The stories follow April Claus, a human who marries the modern-day Santa (Nick) and moves to the North Pole, only to find herself solving unexpected holiday homicides. These books are best read in order of publication to follow the development of April's relationships and life at the North Pole.
- Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings (2020)
- Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide (2021)
- Mrs. Claus and the Evil Elves (2022)
- Mrs. Claus and the Trouble with Turkeys (2023)
- Mrs. Claus and the Nightmare Before New Year's (2024)
- Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine (2025)
- Mrs. Claus and the Fatal Figgy Pudding (Scheduled for 2026)
The Louise Faulk Historical Mysteries (Written as Liz Freeland)
For fans of historical mysteries, Bass uses the pen name Liz Freeland to write about Louise Faulk, a young woman navigating the gritty, male-dominated world of New York City law enforcement in 1913. Read these chronologically to appreciate Louise's professional and personal growth.
- Murder in Greenwich Village (2018)
- Murder in Midtown (2019)
- An Orphan of Hell's Kitchen (2020)
Anthologies and Novellas
Bass has contributed several seasonal and romantic stories to collaborative anthologies alongside other well-known romance and women's fiction writers.
- Making Spirits Bright (2011) – Features Bass's festive novella "Runaway Christmas", published alongside stories by Fern Michaels, Rosalind Noonan, and Nan Rossiter.
- You're Still the One (2013) – Features her romance novella "Romeo & Juliet...And Jane".
- Summer Days (2014) – Includes a sun-soaked contemporary story centered on second chances, co-authored with Lisa Jackson, Mary Carter, and Holly Chamberlin.
What to Know Before You Start
Because Elizabeth Bass writes across several genres and under multiple names, it helps to keep a few details in mind before starting: first, the standalone novels and Cupcake Coven romances are written under her real name, Elizabeth Bass. If you are looking for humorous holiday cozy mysteries, search for her byline Liz Ireland. For early-20th-century historical detective work, search for Liz Freeland. While her cozy and historical mystery series are best read in chronological order due to evolving character dynamics, her contemporary standalone novels can be enjoyed in any order.