Emily Brightwell Books in Order

Where to Start with Emily Brightwell

If you are new to the work of Emily Brightwell (the primary pen name of Cheryl Lanham Arguile), your best starting point is clear: The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries (1993). This book introduces the charming, foggy world of Victorian London, Scotland Yard Inspector Gerald Witherspoon, and his remarkably clever housekeeper, Mrs. Jeffries. Because the characters evolve and relationships develop sequentially, reading the series in publication order is highly recommended for the best experience.

The Mrs. Jeffries Series in Publication Order

For the Mrs. Jeffries cozy mystery series, the chronological order matches the publication order exactly. You do not need to worry about jumping around a complex timeline; simply start with the first novel and follow the sequence. Below is the complete list of all 41 books in the series:

1. The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries (1993)
2. Mrs. Jeffries Dusts for Clues (1993)
3. The Ghost and Mrs. Jeffries (1993)
4. Mrs. Jeffries Takes Stock (1994)
5. Mrs. Jeffries on the Ball (1994)
6. Mrs. Jeffries on the Trail (1995)
7. Mrs. Jeffries Plays the Cook (1995)
8. Mrs. Jeffries and the Missing Alibi (1996)
9. Mrs. Jeffries Stands Corrected (1996)
10. Mrs. Jeffries Takes the Stage (1997)
11. Mrs. Jeffries Questions the Answer (1997)
12. Mrs. Jeffries Reveals Her Art (1998)
13. Mrs. Jeffries Takes the Cake (1998)
14. Mrs. Jeffries Rocks the Boat (1999)
15. Mrs. Jeffries Weeds the Plot (2000)
16. Mrs. Jeffries Pinches the Post (2001)
17. Mrs. Jeffries Pleads Her Case (2003)
18. Mrs. Jeffries Sweeps the Chimney (2004)
19. Mrs. Jeffries Stalks the Hunter (2004)
20. Mrs. Jeffries and the Silent Knight (2005)
21. Mrs. Jeffries Appeals the Verdict (2006)
22. Mrs. Jeffries and the Best Laid Plans (2006)
23. Mrs. Jeffries and the Feast of St. Stephen (2007)
24. Mrs. Jeffries Holds the Trump (2008)
25. Mrs. Jeffries in the Nick of Time (2009)
26. Mrs. Jeffries and the Yuletide Weddings (2009)
27. Mrs. Jeffries Speaks Her Mind (2010)
28. Mrs. Jeffries Forges Ahead (2011)
29. Mrs. Jeffries & the Mistletoe Mix-Up (2011)
30. Mrs. Jeffries Defends Her Own (2012)
31. Mrs. Jeffries Turns the Tide (2013)
32. Mrs. Jeffries and the Merry Gentlemen (2013)
33. Mrs. Jeffries and the One Who Got Away (2014)
34. Mrs. Jeffries Wins the Prize (2016)
35. Mrs. Jeffries Rights a Wrong (2017)
36. Mrs. Jeffries and the Three Wise Women (2017)
37. Mrs. Jeffries Delivers the Goods (2019)
38. Mrs. Jeffries and the Alms of the Angel (2019)
39. Mrs. Jeffries Demands Justice (2020)
40. Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders (2021)
41. Mrs. Jeffries Aims to Win (2023)

Understanding the Mrs. Jeffries Universe

What makes this series so beloved is its ensemble cast. While Inspector Witherspoon receives the credit from Scotland Yard for solving crimes, it is actually Mrs. Jeffries and the household staff who do the heavy lifting behind the scenes. Key members of this secret investigative committee include:

• Mrs. Jeffries: The housekeeper, a policeman's widow, and the mastermind coordinator of the investigations.
• Inspector Gerald Witherspoon: The well-meaning, good-natured inspector who remains entirely unaware that his household is solving his cases for him.
• Smythe and Wiggins: The coachman and footman who gather information from local pubs and streets.
• Betsy and Ruth: The maid and cook who pick up gossip from fellow servants in neighboring grand houses.
• Luty Belle Coleman: A wealthy American widow who frequently assists with high-society connections.

The charm of the series lies in how these characters work together to keep Witherspoon looking brilliant while ensuring that justice is served in Victorian London.

Cheryl Lanham's Young Adult and Romance Works

Before and during her time writing as Emily Brightwell, Cheryl Lanham published contemporary romance novels under the pseudonym Sarah Temple, and young adult fiction under her birth name, Cheryl Lanham. These books offer a change of pace from Victorian cozy mysteries, focusing on heartfelt relationships and teenage dynamics.

The Dear Diary Series (as Cheryl Lanham)

This young adult series explores the emotional trials and secrets of teenagers through diary entries. It should be read in publication order:

1. Remember Me (1996)
2. Dying Young (2000)

The Life at Sixteen Series (as Cheryl Lanham)

Another contemporary YA series detailing the struggles, friendships, and romances of sixteen-year-old protagonists:

1. Second Best (1996)
2. No Guarantees (1997)
3. Blue Moon (1997)
4. Good Intentions (1998)
5. Silent Tears (1999)

Standalone Romance and Contemporary Novels

These books are completely standalone and can be enjoyed in any order:

• Kindred Spirits (1990) - Published under the pen name Sarah Temple.
• Lifeline (1991) - A contemporary drama published under her birth name.
• The Liberation of Layla (1992) - A contemporary romance published under her birth name.

Co-Authored Alternate History

In addition to her solo ventures, Brightwell teamed up with her husband, Richard James Arguile, to write King of the USA. This project deviates from her typical historical mystery and contemporary romance formats, offering an alternate history narrative focusing on a wealth manager named Grenville Stark.

Practical Reader Advice

Are the Mrs. Jeffries books standalones? Yes and no. The murder mystery in each book is fully resolved by the final page, meaning you can technically pick up any book in the series and understand the plot. However, the relationships, marriages, and personal development of the household staff build upon previous entries. If you jump straight to Book 30, you will miss the rich context of how the staff grew to trust and support each other. For the ultimate cozy experience, start at the beginning and pace yourself through the seasonal and holiday-themed titles, which flow chronologically with the publication dates.