Elizabeth Sims Books in Order

Where to Start with Elizabeth Sims

If you are new to Elizabeth Sims's work, you have two primary, equally fantastic starting points depending on the vibe you are looking for. For a classic, gritty-yet-humorous PI-style series featuring a groundbreaking queer protagonist, begin with Holy Hell, the first book in the Lillian Byrd Crime Series. If you prefer a fast-paced, Hollywood-centered mystery with a touch of theatrical flair, pick up The Actress, which kicks off the Rita Farmer Mystery Series. Both entry points showcase Sims's signature combination of wise-cracking humor, authentic dialog, and high-stakes tension.

The Lillian Byrd Crime Series

The Lillian Byrd series is Elizabeth Sims's most celebrated work. Set primarily against the gritty backdrop of Detroit, it follows Lillian Byrd, a lesbian journalist and accidental sleuth who has a knack for stumbling into dangerous situations. The series is highly regarded for its early 2000s queer representation and earned Sims a Lambda Literary Award. The books should be read in publication order, as Lillian's personal life, relationships, and career progress significantly from book to book.

Here is the recommended reading order for the Lillian Byrd books:

1. Holy Hell (2002) - Lillian's peaceful life is shattered when a local string of crimes hits too close to home, forcing her to investigate.
2. Damn Straight (2003) - Lillian finds herself caught in a web of golf, greed, and murder in the high-stakes world of professional sports. (Winner of the Lambda Literary Award).
3. Lucky Stiff (2004) - A kidnapping case pulls Lillian into a bizarre plot involving taxidermy, ransom, and eccentric characters.
4. Easy Street (2005) - When Lillian tries to help a runaway teen, she is dragged into the dark underbelly of Detroit's street life.
5. Left Field (2014) - Returning after a nine-year publication gap, Lillian is back and dealing with an old mystery that resurfaces on her home turf.
6. Tight Race (2022) - Lillian goes undercover to protect a prominent athlete who is being terrorized and stalked.

The Rita Farmer Mystery Series

For readers who enjoy California settings and theatrical themes, the Rita Farmer Mysteries offer a lighter but no less thrilling experience. Rita is a struggling actress and single mother in Los Angeles who frequently uses her acting skills (and disguises) to solve crimes. This series moves chronologically, and readers will get the most out of Rita's evolving family dynamics by reading them in order.

Here is the reading order for the Rita Farmer books:

1. The Actress (2008) - Rita takes a real-world gig that turns deadly, forcing her to act for her life.
2. The Extra (2009) - A seemingly simple job on a movie set lands Rita in the middle of a complex conspiracy.
3. On Location (2010) - Rita travels to the Pacific Northwest to search for her missing sister, braving treacherous wilderness and dangerous locals.

The Bambi Pentecost Crime Series

In 2025, Elizabeth Sims introduced a brand-new protagonist in her crime fiction universe: Bambi Pentecost. A former prostitute and narcotics informant, Bambi is sober and trying to live a quiet life in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. However, family obligations and a desire to earn her daughter's respect drag her back into the dangerous streets of Detroit.

Start this series with the debut novel:

• Down to the D (2025) - Bambi returns to Detroit ("the D") to clear her ex-husband of a murder charge, navigating old foes and dangerous alliances.

Standalone Fiction and Short Story Collections

If you want to sample Elizabeth Sims's storytelling outside of her multi-book series, she has published several standalone works and short story collections:

• I Am Calico Jones (2015) - A collection of four short stories showcasing Sims's range from humor to heartbreak.
• Crimes in a Second Language (2017) - A standalone novel about a retired schoolteacher who relocates to the Hollywood Hills and forms an unexpected alliance with her housecleaner. This book won a silver medal at the Florida Book Awards.
• Go-Go Day (2018) - A collection of four literary short stories exploring human connections and resilience.

Non-Fiction Writing Guides

As a long-time contributing editor for Writer's Digest, Sims is highly respected in the creative writing community. If you are an aspiring writer, her guide is considered a must-read:

• You've Got a Book in You: A Stress-Free Guide to Writing the Book You Were Meant to Write (2013) - A highly practical, encouraging handbook designed to help writers overcome blocks and finish their manuscripts.

What to Know Before You Start

Elizabeth Sims's mysteries stand out because of their emotional authenticity and working-class grit. Unlike many pristine, high-tech thriller leads, Lillian Byrd, Rita Farmer, and Bambi Pentecost are all everyday women dealing with real financial struggles, complicated family dynamics, and personal flaws. Sims frequently draws on her own colorful life experiences—from growing up in Detroit to working as a street busker and ranch hand—to bring her settings and characters to life. Reading her books in publication order ensures that you catch every nuance of character growth and the changing landscapes they inhabit.