Bea Abbot and Ellie Quicke Books in Order – Meet Veronica Heley’s Queens Of Mystery

Last Updated on January 6, 2026

I have always considered myself a bit of a voracious reader. Even as a child, I once won a local library competition for the sheer number of books I read over the Summer months – then again, ‘tech’ hadn’t been invented so there wasn’t much else to do!

I say this because it never ceases to amaze me that there are writers out there who have authored dozens and dozens of books who, until recently, I had genuinely never heard of.

Maybe they sit in genres that I’m not overly familiar with. Or maybe the marketing budgets tend to lean harder into the bigger names. Either way, I always love it when I find a series of books that are already well underway.

It means I can buy book after book without having to wait a year or two for the next installment, which is why the Veronica Heley books are such a treat.

Heley has two main series – the Bea Abbot Agency and Ellie Quicke. With nearly 40 books across the two characters, there’s plenty to get stuck into if you’re looking for a new cozy crime amateur sleuth to fall in love with.

Bea Abbot Agency

The Bea Abbot Agency series is centred around the life of Bea Abbot, an intelligent and resourceful woman in her early sixties.

After the death of her husband, Bea decides to continue running the domestic agency they started together despite the challenges of widowhood and the occasional pushback from those who see her as a woman past her prime.

The Abbot Agency isn’t your typical domestic service. While its main function is to manage household staff for wealthy clients, they often come to her with problems that go beyond the ordinary, and Bea’s natural curiosity and sense of justice lead her into a series of mysterious and sometimes dangerous situations.

Each book in the series presents a new mystery, often tied to the clients or staff of the agency. These mysteries vary in complexity, from thefts and fraud to more serious crimes like murder.

Despite these darker elements, the tone of the series is kept relatively light, with a strong focus on character relationships, Bea’s interactions with her friends, family, and colleagues, and her ongoing efforts to manage the agency successfully.

The Bea Abbot Agency series is a mix of cozy mystery and character-driven drama. Bea is a relatable and admirable protagonist, and the series offers a delightful blend of suspense, wit, and warmth, making it a favourite among fans of the genre.

The first book, False Charity, was published in 2007 and you can easily recognise the others as they are all called “False…” something so here goes…

Bea Abbot Books in Order

1. False Charity (2007)
2. False Picture (2008)
3. False Step (2009)
4. False Pretence (2010)
5. False Money (2010)
6. False Report (2011)
7. False Alarm (2012)
8. False Diamond (2014)
9. False Impression (2014)
10. False Wall (2015)
11. False Fire (2017)
12. False Pride (2017)
13. False Account (2019)
14. False Conclusion (2020)
15. False Face (2021)
16. False Name (2023)
17. False Witness (2024)

The Bea Abbot books can be read as stand-alone novels since each one contains a self-contained mystery.

However, there is character development and ongoing story arcs that run through the series, so reading them in order would provide a richer experience.

Ellie Quicke Books in Order

Ellie Quicke is a somewhat timid woman in her sixties who, after the death of her overbearing husband, embarks on a journey of personal growth and crime-solving.

Initially, she is unassertive and unsure of herself, and her involvement in crime-solving starts somewhat accidentally, ranging from petty crimes to more serious offences, including murder.

Each book presents a new mystery, with Ellie using her intuition, common sense, and sometimes a bit of luck to get to the bottom of things.

In addition to solving crimes, Ellie’s life is filled with family drama and complex relationships. Her daughter, Diana, is a particularly challenging character – selfish, demanding, and often a source of stress for Ellie.

Set in a quintessentially English suburban environment, the quiet streets, cozy homes, and close-knit community create a backdrop that contrasts sharply with the dark secrets and crimes that Ellie uncovers and while the series deals with serious themes, the books are still quite light-hearted.

Books in Order

1. Murder At the Altar (2000)
2. Murder By Poison Pen (2002)
3. Murder of Innocence (2003)
4. Murder by Accident (2003)
5. Murder in the Garden (2004)
6. Murder By Committee (2005)
7. Murder by Bicycle (2006)
8. Murder of Identity (2006)
9. Murder in the Park (2007)
10. Murder in House (2009)
11. Murder By Mistake (2010)
12. Murder My Neighbour (2011)
13. Murder in Mind (2012)
14. Murder with Mercy (2013)
15. Murder in Time (2014)
16. Murder by Suspicion (2015)
17. Murder in Style (2016)
18. Murder for Nothing (2017)
19. Murder by Suggestion (2018)
20. Murder for Good (2019)
21. Murder In Law (2021)
22. Murder for Profit (2022)

Currently there are 22 books in the series with the first, Murder at the Altar, published in 2000.

It has been a hugely successful series for Veronica Heley and is loved for its intricate plots, character growth, and the warm, relatable portrayal of Ellie as she navigates her life.

Hopefully my guide to Veronica Heley books in order has given you all the answers you need to start off on another wonderful cozy crime journey.