How to Read the Bucket List Mystery Series
The Bucket List Mystery series, written by the father-daughter collaboration Tony Perona and Liz Dombrosky under the pen name Elizabeth Perona, centers on the lively septuagenarian women of the Summer Ridge Bridge Club. As these senior women set out to check daring adventures off their bucket lists, they inevitably stumble into murder investigations, solving crimes with humor, warmth, and small-town charm.
Because the overarching character arcs, friendships, and a major plot twist develop progressively across the books, the authors recommend reading this series in chronological publication order. Additionally, the authors issued updated editions of the first four books to align with the series finale, making the specific edition you read an important consideration.
The Bucket List Mystery Series in Reading Order
- Murder on the Bucket List (2015) - The bridge club's initial skinny-dipping adventure takes a dark turn when they discover a body in the pool, kicking off their first investigation.
- Murder Under the Covered Bridge (2016) - Charlotte, Francine, and the gang attempt a pin-up calendar shoot to check off another bucket list item, only to find themselves caught in a mystery involving family secrets.
- Murder at the Male Revue (2017) - While catering a local fundraiser, the ladies are forced to investigate a stabbing behind the scenes of a male revue.
- Murder in the Tattoo Parlor (2021) - Joy is determined to get a tattoo, but the adventure goes awry when the tattoo artist is found dead, plunging the grandmas into a fresh case.
- Murder at the Karaoke Bar (2025) - In the fifth and final installment, Francine inherits a karaoke bar only to discover a corpse on the premises, threatening to reveal a long-held ranch secret.
Crucial Reading Note: The Revised Editions
When the authors began writing the fifth book, Murder at the Karaoke Bar, they decided to introduce a significant plot twist that tied the entire series together. To ensure a completely cohesive storyline, they went back and revised the first four books. New editions of the first three books were released on October 1, 2021, featuring fresh cover art. The authors strongly recommend that readers obtain these newer, revised copies—even if they already own older print versions of the first three books—to fully enjoy the final book's continuity.
Elizabeth Perona Short Stories & Anthologies
In addition to their core novels, Tony and Liz have written several short stories under their shared pseudonym. Many of these stories were published in themed anthologies compiled by the Speed City chapter of Sisters in Crime:
- "The Missing Ingredient for Murderous Intent" - Published in Malice Domestic 14: Mystery Most Edible (2019).
- "The Ear Witness" - Published in Murder 20/20 (2020), which went on to earn a spot on the Honor Roll of the Best Mystery Stories of 2021.
- "Snowplowed" - Featured in the basketball-themed anthology Hoosier Hoops & Hijinks.
- "The Land Grab" - Contributed to the sports-themed anthology Racing Can Be Murder.
- "The Santa Cause" - Published in the festive anthology Homicide for the Holidays.
- "Three Simple Rules" - Contributed to Trick or Treats: Tales of All Hallows' Eve.
- "American Rebel" - Featured in the anthology Amber Waves of Graves.