Read Lee Hollis Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
By Kathy | Last Updated on April 22, 2026
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When it comes to cozy mysteries, few authors are as enjoyable and charming as Lee Hollis. Known for writing fun, lighthearted, and witty books, Hollis has carved a niche within the cozy mystery genre, where readers can indulge in a good puzzle while enjoying engaging characters and heartwarming settings. The series’ appeal is not just in the intricately woven plots, but also in the delightful relationships between its characters, which often grow and evolve across the books. Whether you’re new to cozy mysteries or a long-time fan of the genre, Lee Hollis’ works are sure to captivate with their distinctive blend of humor, mystery, and relatable protagonists.
Contents
List Of Lee Hollis Books In Order
| Death of a Kitchen Diva (2011) | Details |
| Death of a Country Fried Redneck (2012) | Details |
| Death of a Chocoholic (2013) | Details |
| Death of a Christmas Candy Cane (2014) | Details |
| Death of a New Age Diva (2015) | Details |
| Death of a Busybody (2016) | Details |
| Death of a Cookbook Author (2017) | Details |
| Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman (2018) | Details |
| Death of a Pumpkin Carver (2019) | Details |
| Death of a Wedding Cake Baker (2020) | Details |
| Death of a Debutante (2021) | Details |
More On Lee Hollis Books In Chronological Order
1. Death of a Kitchen Diva (2011)
This is the first book in the *Hayley Powell* series, introducing Hayley Powell, a food columnist for the local newspaper in Bar Harbor, Maine. When a rival food columnist is found dead in a most unexpected way, Hayley’s curiosity gets the best of her. She’s not your typical detective, but as a self-made sleuth, Hayley begins piecing together the clues. The book sets the tone for the cozy, charming, and often quirky mysteries that follow in this series.
2. Death of a Country Fried Redneck (2012)
In the second book, Hayley is once again thrust into the middle of a mystery, this time when a former country music star is found dead in Bar Harbor. The book brings out Hayley’s wit and her knack for getting into trouble while solving mysteries. With a mix of humor, small-town charm, and delicious food references, the book keeps readers hooked with its fast pace and quirky characters.
3. Death of a Chocoholic (2013)
The third installment in the series centers around chocolate-yum! Hayley’s chocolate-obsessed friend is accused of a murder, and Hayley can’t stand to see her friend in trouble. As she dives into the investigation, she discovers that there’s more to the chocolate world than she ever thought possible. With a balance of suspense and humor, *Death of a Chocoholic* is another fun mystery that showcases the author’s skill in blending lightheartedness with intriguing twists.
4. Death of a Christmas Candy Cane (2014)
In this holiday-themed entry, Hayley Powell is back in action to solve the mystery of a local businesswoman’s death during the Christmas season. The book’s festive backdrop adds a warm and cozy feel to the story, but as always, the mystery is sharp and engaging. With holiday cheer, delicious recipes, and a murder to figure out, it’s the perfect cozy read for the season.
5. Death of a New Age Diva (2015)
Hayley’s next adventure takes her into the world of New Age spirituality, and as usual, trouble is never far behind. When a popular spiritual guru is found dead, Hayley investigates the eccentric world of alternative medicine and the people who follow it. It’s a fun mix of intrigue and humor, and it’s easy to see why readers love Hayley as their amateur sleuth.
6. Death of a Busybody (2016)
This one is all about a local woman who’s got a little too much time on her hands, gossiping and sticking her nose into everyone’s business. But when she turns up dead, the small town is rocked, and Hayley’s back on the case to figure out who had enough of her nosiness. The cozy mystery vibe is strong, and the small-town atmosphere adds to the charm.
7. Death of a Cookbook Author (2017)
In this installment, Hayley gets caught up in the death of a well-known cookbook author who was found dead just before her big book launch. There’s no shortage of suspects in the world of culinary fame, and Hayley dives right into the food scene to uncover the truth. As always, Hollis blends food, fun, and mystery in a way that keeps readers coming back for more.
8. Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman (2018)
In *Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman*, Hayley finds herself investigating the murder of a wealthy businessman who was loved by some but hated by many. The plot twists and turns through Bar Harbor’s elite social scene, and Hayley’s inquisitive nature leads her to uncover the secrets of the seemingly perfect man. A great addition to the series with plenty of suspense and surprises.
9. Death of a Pumpkin Carver (2019)
In this Halloween-themed cozy mystery, Hayley investigates the murder of a local pumpkin carver just before the big annual festival. As she gets closer to the truth, she discovers that the secrets of the past are just as dangerous as the killer walking among them. The Halloween setting adds a spooky twist to this otherwise lighthearted and funny mystery.
10. Death of a Wedding Cake Baker (2020)
A wedding cake baker is found dead, and Hayley’s sleuthing skills are once again called into action. Set against the backdrop of weddings, love, and sweet treats, this book is another fun-filled cozy mystery where Hayley works her magic to uncover the truth. Full of twists and turns, it’s the perfect treat for fans of the series.
11. Death of a Debutante (2021)
The latest in the Hayley Powell series finds Hayley investigating the mysterious death of a debutante during the Bar Harbor debutante ball. There’s no shortage of drama, gossip, and old money, and Hayley has her hands full solving this one. The mystery takes a few unexpected turns, keeping readers on their toes from start to finish.
Background On Lee Hollis Books
Lee Hollis is a pseudonym used by the writing duo of Rick Copp and Hank Phillippi Ryan, both of whom are seasoned writers with years of experience in mystery writing. Rick Copp is known for his background in television writing, having worked on popular shows like The Golden Girls, which undoubtedly influenced his writing style with its sharp wit and character-driven storytelling. Hank Phillippi Ryan, on the other hand, is an award-winning author known for her gripping thrillers, bringing a more intricate and suspenseful layer to their collective writing. Together, they have blended their talents to create a memorable cozy mystery series under the pen name Lee Hollis.
Their first foray into the genre began with the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery Series, a delightful collection of books that revolve around Hayley Powell, a food columnist, and amateur sleuth living in the coastal town of Bar Harbor, Maine. The series is not only centered on delicious food and drinks but also incorporates Hayley’s humorous take on life, her relationships with friends, family, and even the quirky townspeople. Through Hayley’s eyes, readers are given a charming look into a small town brimming with its own mysteries.
In addition to the Hayley Powell series, Lee Hollis has also ventured into writing other series, such as the Margarita Nights books, showcasing their versatility and love for creating different characters and settings. The duo’s knack for blending humor, mystery, and relatable characters has made their works beloved by fans of cozy mysteries.
Reading Order Explained
For those new to Lee Hollis’ works, understanding the proper reading order is essential for fully immersing yourself in the world they’ve created. The main series to focus on is the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery Series, which consists of multiple titles, each offering a new adventure and a fresh mystery to solve.
The books in this series are designed to be read in order, as the relationships between characters evolve throughout the series. While each book presents a standalone mystery, there are recurring elements and character developments that become more enjoyable when read sequentially. The following is the correct order for the Hayley Powell books:
- Murder on the Rocks (2014)
- Death of a Chocoholic (2015)
- A Deadly Cocktail (2016)
- The Coconut Layer Cake Murder (2017)
- Killer Cocktail (2018)
- The Lemonade Stand Murder (2019)
- The Frozen Cocktail Mystery (2020)
- The Margarita Nights Mystery (2021)
In addition to the main series, there are also short stories and holiday-themed novellas that expand on the universe and provide additional side plots and adventures. These can be enjoyable in their own right, though they’re not necessary for the primary series’ plot progression.
The Margarita Nights series, a more recent entry in Lee Hollis’ oeuvre, takes a different route, focusing on a new set of characters and another setting that provides fresh material for readers, though some recurring characters make appearances.
What I Like About The Series?
There are several standout elements that make Lee Hollis’ books irresistible to cozy mystery fans. Here are a few things that I personally appreciate about the series:
Engaging Protagonist
The heart of the Hayley Powell series is Hayley herself-a relatable and endearing protagonist. Hayley is a food columnist, which gives the author plenty of opportunities to explore her love for cooking, food, and mixing cocktails. But beyond her professional role, Hayley is just an ordinary woman dealing with everyday challenges: family drama, friendship dilemmas, and romantic entanglements. This relatability makes it easy for readers to connect with her. Her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude add an extra layer of appeal to her character, especially when she’s solving complex mysteries.
Humor And Lightheartedness
Despite the mysteries that underpin each plot, the overall tone of the series is light-hearted and often humorous. Hollis deftly balances serious crime-solving with quirky characters and amusing situations, making the books an ideal pick for anyone looking to unwind with a cozy, fun read. There’s always a sense of warmth and community that permeates the series, and the humor, usually found in Hayley’s witty remarks or the oddities of small-town life, enhances this feeling.
Mouthwatering Culinary Descriptions
The food and drink elements in the Hayley Powell books are not just an afterthought-they’re a focal point. From decadent desserts to inventive cocktails, each book includes recipes inspired by the story’s plot. For foodies, these moments offer a unique experience, as you can read about Hayley’s creations and then try making them yourself. The vivid descriptions of food often make you feel like you’re sitting at Hayley’s dinner table or enjoying a drink at the local bar.
Charming Small-Town Setting
Bar Harbor, Maine, serves as the perfect backdrop for the mysteries that unfold in the series. This fictional town is the quintessential cozy mystery setting-charming, with a hint of eccentricity, and full of colorful characters. The setting adds to the warmth of the story, and the small-town atmosphere makes the mysteries feel more personal and engaging.
Should You Read Lee Hollis Books In Order?
While each of Lee Hollis’ books can be enjoyed as a standalone, there is a real benefit to reading them in order. The Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery Series features recurring characters, particularly in Hayley’s friendships and romantic life, and following their development adds an extra layer of depth to the experience. The mysteries themselves might be self-contained, but the interactions and growth of the characters are key elements that evolve across the books.
In addition, many readers enjoy the subtle callbacks to previous mysteries and characters that pop up again, making it more enjoyable for those who have followed the series from the start. If you are someone who enjoys seeing character arcs unfold and building a connection with protagonists over time, reading the books in order will enhance your enjoyment. However, if you are looking for a quick read or you want to dip in without commitment, starting with any of the books will still provide you with an entertaining and satisfying mystery.