S: EVERYTHING CRIME FROM A – Z

Series

Here’s the post where I name some of my favorite series. Of course in my mind, it goes without saying that Agatha Christie is in a class of her own and at the top of my list forever. (There—I said it!) I’m a voracious mystery reader (as well as an author). I enjoy a wide variety of mysteries, but here’s my top ten fifteen series (at this moment in time) in no particular order:

Victoria Thompson—Gaslight Mysteries

This series is set in New York in the 1890s. It’s well researched and fascinating to read about society in that time period. The protagonist is Sarah Brandt, a widowed midwife. She gets involved in murder and solves the crime with the help of an Irish cop—Frank Malloy. I’ve read every book and love the feel of the era.

Susanna Calkins—The Speakeasy Mysteries

The protagonist is Gina Ricci, a cigarette girl in a 1920s Chicago speakeasy. This really shouldn’t be on my list since it isn’t technically a series yet—Murder Knocks Twice is the 1^st book (just published this year). Being a life-long Chicagoan, I truly enjoyed all the history about the era (good plot and colorful characters, too). Can’t wait for the 2^nd installment.

To make this fit properly—Calkin’s Lucy Campion Mysteries is another extremely enjoyable historic series. Set in 17^th century London, it features Lucy Campion, a chambermaid-turned-printer’s apprentice. Fascinating reveal of life in the era.

Jennifer Oberth—The Ella Westin Mysteries

This series is set in Port Bass, Maine in the 1820s. The protagonist is Ella Westin, a government agent. In the first book, she marries Joe Westin, a fellow government agent. Throughout the series, Ella solves crime with (or without) the help of her husband. It’s fun and light-hearted and Ella is a sassy, kick-ass protagonist.

Jenn McKinlay—The Hat Shop Mysteries

This is another fun series set in present time England. The protagonist is from America, Scarlett Parker. She moves to London to run her grandmother’s hat shop (Mim’s Whims) with her English cousin, Vivian. The books are well-written, a joy to read.

Aaron Elkins—Gideon Oliver Series

The protagonist is Gideon Oliver, the renowned Skeleton Detective. He’s an anthropology professor who the police call when skeletal bones are uncovered. Each book is set present day wherever the bones are found, so the reader gets to feel like an armchair traveler. All the books are quite enjoyable and interesting.

Ella Barrick—Ballroom Dance Mysteries

A wonderfully written series set in Virginia. The protagonist is Stacy Graysin, part-owner of a ballroom dance studio. The other owner is her cheating fiancé, Rafe. The first book starts with Rafe’s murder and Stacy must save her studio with help from Rafe’s estranged Argentian cousin. The writing is flawless and well worth reading.

Leigh Perry—Family Skeleton Series

The protagonist is Georgia Thackery, an adjunct English professor who moves around New England to snag a job. The skeleton in this family’s closet is…a real skeleton. Sid has lived with Georgia’s family and now that Georgia grew up, he spends time with her and her teenage daughter solving crime. Fun and entertaining. Don’t miss a book.

Ashley Weaver—Amory Ames Mysteries

The protagonist is Avery Ames, a wealthy, young society woman who soon regrets her marriage to notorious playboy, Milo. The series is set in 1930’s London. Avery stumbles upon murder wherever she goes and gets help solving the crimes from her husband. Charming, fun books. I love the historical aspect and the duos on again, off again relationship.

E.J. Copperman—Aspergers Mysteries

Samuel Hoenig is a young man with Asperger’s Syndrome—an original concept for a protagonist. He runs an agency called Questions Answered. It’s not a detective agency, but it isn’t long before he’s pulled into murder cases. With the help of his assistant, Ms. Washburn, Samuel has a knack for figuring out the clues and finding the killers. Samuel is a character with heart and soul who wants to do the right thing.

Donna Andrews—Meg Langslow Mysteries

25 books into the series, protagonist, Meg Langslow, is a blacksmith by trade-turned-wife-turned-mother. The characters and humor are what make this series sing! Full of quirky characters, tongue-in-cheek humor and laugh out loud situations. A don’t miss series.

Betty Webb—The Gunn Zoo Mysteries

Theodora “Teddy” Bentley is a zookeeper who lives on a houseboat in present day California. She’s determined to solve murders in order to save her animal charges. Teddy does travel to Iceland in one book in order to bring home a koala bear. An interesting look at zoos behind the scenes.

Diane Kelly—Paw Enforcement Series

Meghan Luz and her K9 partner Brigit solve murder cases in present day Texas. Kelly has fun flipping chapters from Meghan’s point of view to Brigit’s point of view. Interesting cases with lively characters.

Ellery Adams—Books By the Bay Mysteries

Set in present day North Carolina with protagonist Olivia Limoges. She keeps to herself, but is cajoled into joining the Bayside Bookwriters writing group. The group is thrown into crime solving with Olivia and fellow member Police Chief Rawlins taking lead. The charming tone and quaint setting make these enjoyable books.

Kathryn O’Sullivan—Colleen McCabe Series

Set in present time in the Outer Banks, the protagonist is Fire Chief Colleen McCabe. It’s a light-hearted series with humor, heart and romantic tension. I’ve visited Corolla and watched the wild horses. The books bring back memories and the setting is perfect.

Naomi Hirahara—Officer Ellie Rush Mysteries

Ellie Rush is an Asian-American bicycle cop in present day Los Angeles. The strong writing meshes with fully developed characters. We watch as Ellie faces challenges while she learns how to be the best cop she can be, one with dreams of becoming a homicide detective.

I could keep going (Jeffrey Allen-Stay At Home Dad Mysteries, Julie Hyzy-White House Chef Mysteries, Amanda Carmack-Elizabethan Mysteries, yada, yada, yada).

Luckily for us mystery readers, there’s no shortage of great books to choose from!