By Kathy | Last Updated on April 5, 2026
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Carol J. Perry is a talented and prolific author best known for her cozy mystery novels that skillfully weave suspense, intriguing characters, and a touch of the supernatural. Her writing has captivated readers who enjoy a gentle yet compelling mystery, often seasoned with elements of magic, intuition, or otherworldly insights. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to her work, understanding her series’ structure and themes is crucial to fully appreciating the stories she crafts. Perry’s books primarily fall under the cozy mystery genre, offering readers a glimpse into small-town life, quirky characters, and the thrill of solving mysteries that are both relatable and engaging. As you dive into her books, you will find yourself transported into worlds filled with secrets, hidden truths, and complex relationships.
Contents
| Cursed and Consulted (2016) | Details |
| Telling Tales (2017) | Details |
| A Fatal Fiction (2018) | Details |
| Death in the Cards (2019) | Details |
| Figuring Out Murder (2020) | Details |
| The Witch City Mystery Collection (2021) | Details |
| Hauntingly Familiar (2022) | Details |
Okay, so here’s the first book in the ’Witch City Mystery’ series, and it’s a good one! You meet the main character, Lee Barrett, who’s a TV psychic in Salem, Massachusetts, dealing with both supernatural phenomena and some very real mysteries. In this debut, Lee gets drawn into a bizarre case when she starts seeing visions of a murder that hasn’t even happened yet. It’s like a mix of ghostly chills, a cozy small-town vibe, and some seriously clever sleuthing. If you love books with a touch of the paranormal and a good mystery, this one’s perfect.
In book two, Lee Barrett is back and ready to solve another case-this time involving a series of cryptic messages and a local woman’s sudden disappearance. As Lee tries to unravel the threads, she’s also dealing with some personal changes in her life, including a complicated relationship with a handsome cop. This installment is a real page-turner, with Lee’s psychic abilities playing a big role in uncovering clues and solving the mystery. There’s a lot more suspense, a bit of romance, and even more of Salem’s spooky charm.
Okay, things are heating up in this third book! Lee’s still got her psychic powers and uses them to dive into another puzzling case, this time involving the disappearance of a local bookstore owner. But wait-this one’s especially tricky because the bookstore was home to a lot of rare and valuable manuscripts, which might hold the key to solving the whole thing. Lee’s intuition is on fire, but the deeper she digs, the more she learns that things aren’t always what they seem. It’s a great mix of literary intrigue and spooky vibes, keeping you hooked until the last page.
Things take an interesting twist in the fourth book of the series! In ’Death in the Cards,’ Lee gets involved with tarot readings and finds herself pulling cards that seem to predict murders. No joke-she actually starts using tarot cards to help solve some serious crimes. As she gets drawn deeper into the case, she realizes that it’s not just a matter of luck or coincidence, but there’s something-or someone-sinister pulling the strings behind the scenes. It’s a good mix of suspense and a dash of the supernatural that keeps you second-guessing the whole way through.
Lee Barrett is really stepping up her sleuthing skills now, and in this fifth installment, it’s clear that her psychic abilities are key to solving yet another dark and twisted mystery. In ’Figuring Out Murder,’ she’s investigating a high-profile case where a woman’s past-and her connection to a famous historical figure-turns out to be the key to unlocking the truth. If you’re into historical intrigue with a side of murder mystery, this one’s for you. Lee’s journey as a psychic detective just keeps getting better, and the story keeps you on edge with twists and turns you won’t see coming.
This is a little different-it’s a boxed set that compiles the first three books in the ’Witch City Mystery’ series, so if you haven’t jumped into the series yet, this is an awesome starting point! It’s basically an all-in-one deal with ’Cursed and Consulted,’ ’Telling Tales,’ and ’A Fatal Fiction’ in one big bundle. You get the complete kick-off to Lee Barrett’s journey as a psychic sleuth, and it’s a great way to binge through the early books in one go if you want to dive deep into the mystery and magic of Salem.
In this seventh book, Lee Barrett has really grown as a character and detective, and ’Hauntingly Familiar’ takes it up a notch with her psychic powers leading her to solve a mystery that hits very close to home. The story involves a missing woman, but things take a more personal turn when Lee starts seeing eerie connections to her own past. It’s got a nice mix of family drama, ghosts, and, of course, a murder mystery. You’ll be glued to your seat as Lee starts uncovering long-buried secrets that have a deep impact on her own life.
Carol J. Perry’s literary career primarily revolves around the cozy mystery genre, where she excels in creating a mix of suspense, charm, and wit. Her writing is often infused with an atmosphere of intrigue, combined with relatable characters and richly detailed settings. Perry’s most notable works include two major series: The Witch City Mysteries and The Haunted Haven Mysteries, both of which feature elements of the supernatural alongside traditional mystery-solving.
Carol J. Perry’s books have gained a dedicated following, with readers appreciating her ability to combine relatable characters, intriguing plots, and a bit of mystical flair. The series are not just about solving mysteries but also about exploring the deeper connections between people, their environment, and the unseen forces that might guide them.
One of the most important aspects of enjoying Carol J. Perry’s books is understanding the correct reading order. Both of her major series are written in a way that each book builds upon the previous one, introducing new characters, evolving relationships, and deeper layers of mystery.
For The Witch City Mysteries, the order follows a clear progression, with each book detailing the ongoing life of Lee Barrett, her psychic abilities, and her involvement in local mysteries. The books are generally self-contained in terms of the mysteries they present, but there are overarching storylines about the character’s growth and development that span multiple books.
Haunting the Deep (Book 4)
…and so on.
Each book’s title often references both a specific mystery and the underlying paranormal elements that Lee must grapple with, keeping the reader engaged in both the personal and investigative aspects of the series.
As for The Haunted Haven Mysteries, while this series does have a paranormal twist, it is designed to stand alone somewhat more than the Witch City books. However, to get the fullest experience and appreciate the development of key characters, reading the books in order is still highly recommended.
The Phantom’s Touch (Book 3)
…and subsequent novels.
The reading order for Perry’s books is fairly straightforward for both series, with each book following a specific arc for the protagonist, while also introducing new characters, mysteries, and themes.
Carol J. Perry’s books are a perfect blend of mystery, charm, and the supernatural, and there are several aspects of her writing that make her work stand out in the cozy mystery genre.
While Carol J. Perry’s books are designed to be enjoyed individually, reading them in order will significantly enhance your experience. Each series builds upon previous events, allowing for deeper emotional engagement with the characters and plot lines.
In The Witch City Mysteries, for instance, Lee Barrett’s psychic abilities grow, and her personal life evolves in tandem with the mysteries she solves. If you start reading out of order, you may miss important character developments, romantic subplots, or shifting dynamics with supporting characters.
Similarly, in The Haunted Haven Mysteries, each book unravels a larger mystery that spans multiple novels, making it rewarding to read them in sequence. The protagonist’s growth, as well as the overarching theme of exploring haunted places, is best appreciated when experienced in order.
If you’re new to Perry’s work, starting from the beginning with The Witch City Mysteries or The Haunted Haven Mysteries is definitely recommended. The early books in each series provide essential world-building and character introductions that will deepen your understanding of the later books.