Elizabeth Pantley Books in Order

How to Read Elizabeth Pantley's Books

Elizabeth Pantley’s writing career is split into two distinct phases. For decades, she was known globally for her gentle parenting guides, particularly her bestselling No-Cry Solution series. In recent years, she transitioned to writing cozy mysteries that blend lighthearted sleuthing with magical realism. Because her fiction and non-fiction serve entirely different purposes, your starting point will depend on whether you want a whimsical escape or practical parenting advice.

The Best Starting Point for Cozy Mystery Fans

If you are here for the magic and mystery, you have two series to choose from. For a portal fantasy mystery with family secrets and continuous world-building, start with Falling into Magic, the first book in the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series. If you prefer high-concept adventures where characters hop into different literary genres each book, start with Shifting and Shenanigans, the opening novel of the Magical Mystery Book Club series.

The Best Starting Point for Parents

For parents, there is no chronological order. You should start with the book that matches your child's current development phase or your biggest daily struggle. For parents of newborns and infants, The No-Cry Sleep Solution remains the definitive starting point.

Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic: Recommended Reading Order

This series centers on Hayden, a young woman who discovers an enchanted world after stepping through a magic mirror. While each book features a self-contained murder mystery, there is an overarching storyline about Hayden's family, the origins of Destiny Falls, and its magical properties (such as shifting buildings and telepathic animals). To avoid spoilers regarding these family secrets, you must read this series in strict publication order.

1. Falling into Magic (2020) – Hayden enters Destiny Falls, reunites with her long-lost family, and must solve a murder at her welcoming celebration.
2. The Disappearance of Emily (2021) – Hayden investigates a cold case involving her mother's disappearance decades ago, while handling a new local mystery.
3. The Ghost Camper's Tall Tales (2021) – A camping trip turns mysterious when a ghost story matches a real crime that the group must solve.
4. Witches, Spiders, and Schemes (2021) – As Halloween arrives, Hayden deals with strange occurrences, giant spiders, and a killer in their midst.
5. Jousting and Justice (2022) – A medieval-themed festival becomes the setting for a Renaissance-style murder investigation.
6. Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones (2022) – Historic excavations in Destiny Falls unearth ancient skeletons and fresh secrets.

Magical Mystery Book Club: Recommended Reading Order

This series follows Paige and her Aunt Glo, who inherit a bed and breakfast that houses a secret, magical library. When the book club members choose a book, they are physically pulled into the story and must solve the mystery to escape. This series is highly episodic, featuring distinct settings like a pirate ship, a vampire cruise, or a western town. However, the relationships between the club members—and their bond with Frank, the snarky talking cat—develop over time. It is highly recommended to read them in order, including the free companion novella.

1. Shifting and Shenanigans (2022) – The book club is pulled into a shape-shifter mystery where they must identify the culprit to return home.
2. Vampires and Villains (2022) – The club finds themselves on a vampire-laden cruise ship where they must solve a high-stakes crime.
3. Cowboys and Chaos (2022) – A classic Wild West town tests the club's sleuthing skills amidst outlaws and sheriffs.
4. Bakeries and Buffoonery (2023) – A cozy bakery setting turns sour when a baking competition turns deadly.
5. Genies and Gibberish (2023) – A magical desert setting with genies, wishes, and a complex puzzle to unravel.
6. Hexes and Hooligans (Book 5.5 Novella) (2023) – A lighter, murder-free holiday adventure featuring gnome-like beings and a strange honeybee moon hex.
7. Secrets and Scallywags (2023) – The club sails the high seas in a pirate adventure filled with hidden treasure and mutinous suspects.
8. Sprites and Scuttlebutt (2024) – A fantasy forest setting populated by sprites, where the club must navigate local gossip to find a thief.
9. Meditation and Mischief (2024) – The group seeks relaxation at a wellness retreat book, only to find chaos and spiritual shenanigans.

The No-Cry Solution Series: Non-Fiction Reading Guide

Elizabeth Pantley’s parenting books are designed to offer practical, tear-free strategies. You should read these selectively based on your child's age group and current parenting challenges.

For Infant Care and Sleep Issues

• The No-Cry Sleep Solution (2002) – The foundational book offering gentle methods to help babies sleep through the night.
• Gentle Baby Care (2003) – A comprehensive A-to-Z guide on handling everyday baby issues without crying or stress.
• The No-Cry Nap Solution (2008) – Tailored strategies specifically for daytime sleep problems and establishing nap routines.

For Toddlers and Preschoolers

• The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers (2005) – Sleep guidance updated for the unique developmental challenges of older children.
• The No-Cry Potty Training Solution (2006) – A gentle approach to toilet training based on readiness signs rather than pressure.
• The No-Cry Discipline Solution (2007) – Positive discipline techniques to curb tantrums and encourage cooperation without yelling.
• The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution (2010) – Strategies to help babies and toddlers transition smoothly when parting from parents.
• The No-Cry Picky Eater Solution (2011) – Tips and tricks to encourage healthy eating habits and reduce mealtime stress.

General Parenting Tools

• Kid Cooperation (1996) – Pantley's debut guide focused on building communication and cooperation in the family.
• Hidden Messages (2000) – An exploration of how parents communicate values and attitudes to their children daily.
• Perfect Parenting Kit (2005) – A quick-reference resource pack for parents looking for on-the-go strategies.