Read Carol Higgins Clark Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on March 19, 2026

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Carol Higgins Clark, an American author best known for her mystery novels, has carved a niche for herself in the genre with her distinctive writing style, compelling characters, and intriguing plots. Often compared to her mother, the famous author Mary Higgins Clark, Carol has developed her own voice within the realm of suspense and mystery. Her books are beloved for their charm, wit, and the way they weave together complex narratives with relatable characters.

What makes her novels particularly engaging is their lighthearted yet suspenseful nature. While her books often explore dark themes, they never lose the sense of fun and warmth that draws readers into the stories. This blend of serious mystery and enjoyable writing has earned her a dedicated fanbase. But with so many books in the series, you may find yourself wondering where to start. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of Carol Higgins Clark’s novels in depth, explain the reading order, and share what makes her books so captivating.

List Of Carol Higgins Clark Books In Order

More On Carol Higgins Clark Books In Chronological Order

1. Decked (2000)

This is Carol Higgins Clark’s debut mystery novel and it kicks off her wildly popular ’Regan Reilly’ series. The book introduces Regan, a private detective, and her adventures on a luxury cruise ship. Regan gets caught up in solving a mystery involving a missing woman, a family of shady characters, and a treasure hunt. It’s packed with intrigue, twists, and fun, making it a perfect cozy mystery for those who enjoy a light but captivating read.

2. Snagged (2001)

In this second installment, Regan Reilly is once again thrown into a mystery, this time involving a high-stakes robbery. Regan is on a mission to track down a thief who’s been using clever disguises to steal from a wealthy, unsuspecting family. Along the way, she juggles personal drama, professional challenges, and a budding romance, all while piecing together clues and unraveling a tangled web of crime. It’s as thrilling as it is entertaining!

3. Iced (2002)

Now, this one takes Regan to the frigid cold of a ski resort in Vermont, where a seemingly simple vacation turns into a tangled mystery. A woman has gone missing, and Regan must unravel the connections between an ice-skating competition, some suspiciously closed-door dealings, and the dark secrets of the local population. It’s got everything you want in a mystery-chilling suspense, clever puzzles, and a lot of personality!

4. Hot Chocolate (2003)

Who doesn’t love a good cozy mystery around the holidays? In *Hot Chocolate*, Regan Reilly gets swept up in the chaotic world of a popular chocolatier’s holiday extravaganza. Between sabotage at the chocolate shop, mysterious gifts, and a few uninvited guests, Regan is on the case. As always, she balances solving the crime with dealing with her own personal life, which is what makes these books so charming-Regan’s a detective, but she’s also someone you feel you could have coffee with. And in this book, it’s all about chocolate… who could say no to that?

5. Jinxed (2004)

In *Jinxed*, Regan is thrown into a puzzling situation involving a series of misfortunes hitting a Hollywood set. Someone seems to be deliberately causing accidents to ruin the production of a movie, and it’s up to Regan to find out who’s behind it. She’s in over her head with a star-studded cast, eccentric directors, and lots of unexpected turns. What I love about this one is that it plays with the theme of superstition, bringing a fun layer of intrigue to the mystery.

6. Twanged (2005)

Set in the world of country music, *Twanged* follows Regan as she’s asked to investigate a series of incidents at a country music festival. Something’s off with the performers, and Regan quickly learns that the world of music is just as cutthroat as any crime scene. It’s a great mix of star power, country charm, and a plot that’ll keep you guessing. If you’re into the whole behind-the-scenes of music industry drama, you’ll love the dynamic in this one.

7. Kissed (2006)

A fun, flirty, and slightly spooky mystery, *Kissed* revolves around Regan investigating some strange occurrences at a haunted mansion in New York. People are disappearing, and there’s talk of ghosts and hauntings. Regan, being the practical detective that she is, doesn’t let superstition cloud her reasoning. It’s full of quirky characters and oddball situations, and Regan’s personal life adds just the right touch of light-heartedness to balance the spooky mystery.

8. Laced (2007)

*Laced* dives into the world of fashion and high society, where Regan’s on the trail of someone sabotaging a high-end fashion show. As a private detective, Regan gets pulled into a glamorous and glitzy world of designers, models, and their secrets. Between the catty competition and hidden agendas, there’s a lot more going on than just the fashion show. Regan has her hands full, but her witty insights and determination to crack the case make it another fun ride.

9. Aisle Be There (2008)

Regan’s back again in *Aisle Be There*, and this time she’s embroiled in a mystery centered around a wedding. Not just any wedding though-this one’s full of family drama, last-minute cancellations, and some seriously suspicious behavior. When things go awry, Regan is tasked with figuring out who’s behind the chaos. If you’re a sucker for wedding mysteries, this one’s a real treat, and it’s just as charming and fast-paced as the others in the series.

10. Wrecked (2009)

Regan’s adventure in *Wrecked* brings her into the middle of a mysterious accident at a luxury resort. A woman has gone missing after a strange car accident, and Regan is tasked with uncovering what happened. She discovers that there’s much more to this case than meets the eye, including a suspicious collection of valuable items. With suspense at every turn, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat!

11. The Christmas Thief (2010)

Though not directly part of the Regan Reilly series, *The Christmas Thief* is a wonderful holiday mystery from Carol Higgins Clark. It’s about a thief who steals Christmas presents and a group of people who work together to catch him. It’s a delightful mix of holiday cheer, crime, and a dash of humor. Perfect for anyone who loves a cozy, festive read with a bit of a twist!

Background On Carol Higgins Clark Books

Carol Higgins Clark’s career as a writer began in the late 1990s, with a debut novel that would quickly propel her to success. The books she’s best known for are part of the Regan Reilly Mystery series, which revolves around the character of Regan Reilly, a private investigator with a knack for solving baffling cases. Regan is the daughter of a former NYPD detective, which gives her a unique insight into the criminal world. The novels blend elements of traditional detective fiction with a dash of humor, allowing Carol Higgins Clark to differentiate herself from her famous mother while still paying homage to the genre.

The first book in the Regan Reilly series, Decked (1992), was an instant hit and set the stage for the development of Regan’s character and her adventures. Throughout the series, Regan has gone from solving cases on her own to navigating complicated relationships with family and friends, all while taking on new, ever-more challenging cases. As the books progress, readers get to know Regan better, along with her personal life, including her relationship with her husband, Jack, and her involvement in the family business, which is often a central plot element.

Clark has a gift for balancing the personal and professional aspects of her protagonist’s life. Her books often feature multiple, intersecting plotlines that keep readers on their toes, never knowing exactly where the story will go next. This skill has kept fans engaged for decades, making Carol Higgins Clark a respected name in the world of contemporary mystery fiction.

Reading Order Explained

The Regan Reilly Mystery series has multiple books, and the reading order can be somewhat important to fully appreciate the evolution of characters and plotlines. While each book in the series can be enjoyed on its own, reading them in order allows you to follow Regan’s growth and the gradual development of the recurring characters. Here is the recommended order to read the Regan Reilly novels:

1. Decked (1992)

   The first book introduces Regan Reilly, the private investigator, as she takes on a high-stakes case aboard a luxury cruise. This sets the stage for her career as a professional sleuth and begins to develop her personal life.

2. Snagged (1993)

   In this second installment, Regan gets involved in the search for a stolen piece of jewelry. The plot adds depth to her character, particularly in terms of her relationships.

3. Iced (1994)

   Regan’s investigative skills are put to the test when she is called in to solve a case at an ice skating rink, proving that no case is too unusual for her to tackle.

4. Jinxed (1997)

   A high-profile case brings Regan to the world of Hollywood, where the lines between truth and fiction become blurred.

5. Hush Money (2001)

   Regan works alongside her mother, Nora, on a case involving a disgruntled former employee. This novel is notable for the way it blends family dynamics with mystery-solving.

6. Twanged (2005)

   A case involving the world of country music brings Regan into the world of eccentric celebrities, showing her adaptability to different environments.

7. Wrecked (2008)

   Regan’s skills are tested once more as she deals with a more dangerous and personal case, marking a turning point in her career.

8. Kissed (2013)

   Regan takes on a romantic case, further exploring her character’s personal growth and relationships with others.

While this is the general order for the Regan Reilly novels, it’s important to note that each book is self-contained enough that they can be enjoyed individually. However, for the full character arc and continuity, it’s always best to read them in the order in which they were released.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the most appealing aspects of the Regan Reilly Mystery series is Carol Higgins Clark’s ability to create suspenseful, multi-layered plots that keep readers hooked from start to finish. Each book presents an entirely new case, which means that the novels don’t fall into a predictable formula. At the same time, the recurring characters, particularly Regan herself, provide a sense of continuity and familiarity that keeps fans coming back for more.

The charm of the series lies in its unique ability to mix humor with mystery. While many mystery novels lean heavily into dark and ominous tones, Carol Higgins Clark keeps things lighthearted, ensuring that her books are not just suspenseful but also fun to read. Regan’s interactions with her family, especially her parents, add a sense of warmth and relatability that make the books feel grounded despite their sometimes over-the-top plots.

Additionally, the settings in which the mysteries unfold are often vivid and intriguing. Whether it’s a luxurious cruise ship, a Hollywood studio, or a country music festival, the locations feel like characters in their own right, contributing to the overall atmosphere of each story. Carol Higgins Clark has a gift for transporting her readers to different worlds, and the locations never feel like mere backdrops; they become integral parts of the narrative.

Finally, the pacing of the books is masterful. There’s a steady build-up of tension, with Clark expertly dropping clues and red herrings along the way. Readers are kept guessing until the very end, which is one of the reasons why her books are so addictive. They’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a fast-paced, engaging read with just the right amount of intrigue.

Should You Read Carol Higgins Clark Books In Order?

While each book in the Regan Reilly series can be enjoyed individually, reading them in order is highly recommended for anyone who wants to fully appreciate the development of the characters and plotlines. Starting from Decked allows you to see Regan’s growth as a detective and as a person. Her relationships with other characters evolve over time, and recurring themes and references to past cases build a sense of continuity. Additionally, reading the books in order lets you witness how Clark fine-tunes her writing style and deepens her characters’ complexities.

If you’re someone who enjoys series where characters develop over time and where earlier books often contain key information that builds on later installments, reading Carol Higgins Clark’s books in order will definitely enhance your experience.