Ellery Adams Books in Order: The Ultimate Reading List for Cozy Mystery Fans

Last Updated on December 9, 2025

If there were a hall of fame for cozy mystery authors, Ellery Adams would have a prime spot right near the entrance.

She’s one of those writers who seems to have a book for every mood—whether you fancy a seaside whodunit, a bookshop mystery, or even a story where a little bit of magic is baked right into the pie.

With multiple series under her belt, she’s created a whole collection of small towns filled with quirky characters, charming settings, and just enough intrigue to keep you guessing.

If you’re the type who loves a well-crafted puzzle wrapped in warmth, friendship, and a bit of humor, then you’ll want to explore every mystery she’s written.

But where do you start? Let’s take a look at her books in order and find the perfect series for you.

Secret, Book & Scone Society Series

Ellery Adams’s Secret, Book & Scone Society series is the kind of cozy mystery that offers more than just a whodunit—it’s a story about healing, friendship, and the power of books.

Set in the fictional town of Miracle Springs, North Carolina, the series follows Nora Pennington, a woman with a painful past who runs Miracle Books, a small shop with a special twist.

Nora has a talent for bibliotherapy, meaning she can recommend the perfect book to help someone through their struggles.

But when a businessman is found dead before he can visit her shop, Nora and three other women—June, Hester, and Estella—form the Secret, Book & Scone Society to uncover the truth.

What makes this series stand out is the emotional depth. Each of the four women has scars, both physical and emotional, and solving mysteries becomes a way for them to find strength in each other.

Hester, a baker, creates comfort scones that seem to soothe the soul, while June and Estella bring their own resilience and wisdom.

The mysteries are engaging, but it’s the bond between these women and the way they help others that makes these books truly special.

If you love books about books, with a side of mystery, this is a great place to start.

• The Secret, Book & Scone Society (2017)
• The Whispered Word (2018)
• The Book of Candlelight (2020)
• Ink and Shadows (2021)
• The Vanishing Type (2022)
• Paper Cuts (2023)
• The Little Lost Library (2024)

Book Retreat Mysteries

The Book Retreat Mysteries series is a dream come true for book lovers who also enjoy a good mystery.

Set at the luxurious Storyton Hall, a secluded resort in Virginia designed specifically for bibliophiles, the series follows Jane Steward, a single mother and manager of the estate.

But Storyton Hall isn’t just any bookish retreat—it hides a secret collection of priceless literary treasures, and Jane soon learns that she’s more than just a resort manager.

As the guardian of these rare works, she finds herself entangled in a world of literary intrigue, secret societies, and, of course, murder.

The series begins with Murder in the Mystery Suite (2014), where Jane organizes a themed getaway for mystery fans, only for one of the guests to turn up dead.

As the series unfolds, Jane juggles managing the retreat, raising her twin sons, and solving mysteries—often with the help of the Finch family, a group of loyal employees who protect Storyton’s secrets.

What makes this series stand out is its mix of classic mystery elements, bookish references, and a touch of adventure.

If you love the idea of a cozy retreat filled with hidden passages, literary treasures, and a sharp-witted heroine, this series is perfect.

• Murder in the Mystery Suite (2014)
• Murder in the Paperback Parlor (2015)
• Murder in the Secret Garden (2016)
• Murder in the Locked Library (2018)
• Murder in the Reading Room (2019)
• Murder in the Storybook Cottage (2020)
• Murder in the Cookbook Nook (2021)
• Murder on the Poet’s Walk (2022)
• Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft (2023)

Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries Series

Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries series is a delightful mix of cozy mystery, small-town charm, and a sprinkle of magic.

The series follows Ella Mae LeFaye, a talented baker who returns to her hometown of Havenwood, Georgia, after her marriage falls apart.

She opens the Charmed Pie Shoppe, where her pies don’t just taste good—they have a magical effect on those who eat them.

As Ella Mae settles into her new life, she discovers that she’s part of a long line of women with special abilities, and her baking is infused with emotions that can influence those around her.

The first book, Pies and Prejudice (2012), introduces readers to Havenwood and Ella Mae’s discovery of her unique gift.

But when someone close to her is murdered, she realizes that her talents may help her uncover the truth.

With each book, she learns more about her magical lineage, strengthens her powers, and solves mysteries with the help of her close-knit group of friends.

The series is perfect for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of the supernatural, mouthwatering food descriptions, and a strong, determined heroine who finds both purpose and power in her craft.

• Pies and Prejudice (2012)
• Peach Pies and Alibis (2013)
• Pecan Pies and Homicides (2014)
• Lemon Pies and Little White Lies (2015)
• Breach of Crust (2016)

Books by the Bay Mysteries

Ellery Adams’s Books by the Bay Mysteries series is a cozy, bookish whodunit set in the charming coastal town of Oyster Bay, North Carolina.

The series follows Olivia Limoges, a wealthy but somewhat reserved woman who has returned to her hometown after years away.

Olivia owns several businesses in town, including a restaurant, and is working on writing her own novel when she joins the Bayside Book Writers, a local group of aspiring authors.

But when a murder shocks their quiet community, Olivia and her fellow writers find themselves turning their storytelling skills toward solving real-life crimes.

The series begins with A Killer Plot (2010), where Olivia, along with her loyal poodle Captain Haviland, gets drawn into her first case.

Over time, she builds deep friendships with the members of her writing group, including a fiery romance novelist, a struggling chef, and a journalist with a keen eye for clues.

As the series progresses, Olivia also confronts secrets from her past, making her character arc just as compelling as the mysteries themselves.

With its atmospheric seaside setting, well-drawn characters, and engaging plots, this series is a must-read for cozy mystery fans who love stories about books, writing, and small-town intrigue.

• A Killer Plot (2010)
• A Deadly Cliché (2011)
• The Last Word (2011)
• Written in Stone (2012)
• Poisoned Prose (2013)
• Lethal Letters (2014)
• Writing All Wrongs (2015)
• Killer Characters (2017)

Supper Club Mystery Series

Ellery Adams’s Supper Club Mystery series (originally published under the name J.B. Stanley) is a cozy mystery collection with a unique theme—food, friendship, and weight loss.

Set in the small town of Quincy’s Gap, Virginia, the series follows James Henry, a former English professor who returns home to become a librarian.

Feeling lonely and out of shape, he joins a local support group for weight loss called The Flab Five, a mix of quirky personalities who bond over their struggles with food and fitness.

But instead of just counting calories, they soon find themselves solving murders in their quiet town.

The series starts with Carbs & Cadavers (2006), where James and his friends stumble into a suspicious death that doesn’t quite add up.

As the series continues, the group investigates more small-town crimes while dealing with their personal ups and downs—relationship troubles, career changes, and of course, the eternal battle with temptation when it comes to food.

What makes this series stand out is the humor and heart behind it. The characters are lovable, flawed, and relatable, and their friendship feels genuine.

It’s a great mix of mystery, warmth, and food-filled fun, perfect for readers who enjoy cozies with a little extra flavor.

• Carbs & Cadavers (2006)
• Fit to Die (2007)
• Chili Con Corpses (2008)
• Stiffs and Swine (2008)
• The Battered Body (2009)
• Black Beans & Vice (2010)
• Pasta Mortem (2018)

Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries

The Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries series is a cozy mystery collection that blends history, hidden treasures, and small-town intrigue.

The series follows Molly Appleby, a writer for Collector’s Weekly magazine, who has a knack for uncovering both rare antiques and unexpected crimes.

Her work takes her to estate sales, auctions, and antique shops, where she doesn’t just learn about valuable collectibles—she often stumbles upon a mystery that needs solving.

The series begins with A Killer Collection (2011), where Molly covers a pottery auction only to find herself investigating the suspicious death of a renowned collector.

As the series progresses, she becomes more experienced at both journalism and amateur sleuthing, solving cases tied to rare books, vintage jewelry, and long-lost artifacts.

What makes this series unique is its deep dive into the world of antiques, offering fascinating details about different collectibles while keeping the mysteries engaging.

Molly is a smart, resourceful protagonist, and the combination of history and crime makes these books perfect for readers who love a good mystery with an educational twist.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of nostalgia, this series is a great pick.

• A Killer Collection (2011)
• A Fatal Appraisal (2012)
• A Deadly Dealer (2013)
• A Treacherous Trader (2015)
• A Devious Lot (2016)
• A Killer Keepsake (2017)
• A Bidder End (2019)
• A Fatal Fabergé (2020)
• Mint Condition Murder (2021)

Do The Books Have To Be Read In Order?

Ellery Adams’s books are written as series, so while each mystery is usually self-contained, reading them in order is generally recommended – especially for her more character-driven series.

Here’s a breakdown of whether you need to read them in order:

The Secret, Book & Scone Society – Best read in order. The character development and ongoing story arcs (especially about the main characters’ pasts and friendships) build throughout the series.

Book Retreat Mysteries – Recommended in order. While each book has a standalone mystery, the larger storyline about Storyton Hall’s secret literary treasures develops over time.

Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries – Should be read in order. There’s a magical element and a family backstory that unfolds across the series.

Books by the Bay Mysteries – Best read in order. The relationships between the characters, especially Olivia Limoges and her writing group, evolve throughout the series.

Supper Club Mysteries – Can be read out of order, but it’s better to start with Carbs & Cadavers to get to know the Flab Five’s dynamics from the beginning.

Cracking Good Books

Ellery Adams is the kind of author who never fails to deliver a great cozy mystery, no matter which series you pick up.

Whether she’s whisking readers away to a seaside writer’s retreat, a book-themed resort, a charming Southern pie shop, or a quiet town with a bookish therapy group, she always creates stories filled with heart, friendship, and clever mysteries.

Her books aren’t just about solving crimes—they’re about community, personal growth, and the little joys in life, from the perfect book recommendation to a warm slice of homemade pie.

With so many fantastic series to choose from, there’s truly something for every cozy mystery fan.

If you love well-crafted plots, unforgettable characters, and a dash of bookish charm, Ellery Adams’s novels are an absolute must-read!