Read Ellie Alexander Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 15, 2026

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Ellie Alexander is an author known for her compelling blend of cozy mystery and charming narratives, drawing readers into the world of amateur sleuths, intricate puzzles, and a dash of humor. With a background steeped in culinary arts and a passion for storytelling, Alexander has created a variety of beloved series that have captured the attention of cozy mystery fans. The subtle interplay of warmth, suspense, and the every-day relatability of her characters ensures that her books are not just about solving crimes, but about immersing the reader in a world where food, friendships, and small-town dynamics come to life. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the books by Ellie Alexander, focusing on her unique narrative style, the best way to enjoy her works, and how her series build upon one another.

List Of Ellie Alexander Books In Order

More On Ellie Alexander Books In Chronological Order

1. A Ghost in the Kitchen (2015)

Okay, so this is where you first meet Frankie Elkin, a culinary genius and reluctant amateur sleuth, and let me tell you, the way Ellie Alexander mixes suspense with mouthwatering foodie details is just delightful. Frankie is helping a friend with a cooking contest, but then-bam!-murder shows up, literally turning her kitchen into a crime scene. It’s funny, tense, and somehow you get hungry reading it, all at the same time.

2. Death Al Dente (2015)

Here we go, the second adventure, and it picks up right where the first left off. Frankie is back in her culinary world, juggling the high-pressure restaurant scene with a murder investigation. There’s this delicious tension between her professional life and sleuthing, and Alexander keeps dropping these culinary tidbits that make the story feel super vivid. Honestly, you’ll want to take notes for your next dinner party.

3. A Dish to Die For (2016)

Ah, the third book! By now, Frankie’s life is just a perfect storm of kitchen chaos and crime-solving chaos. This one dives even deeper into the foodie universe-think fancy competitions, tempting recipes, and, of course, murder. Ellie Alexander’s narrative really shines here, balancing humor, suspense, and that irresistible foodie obsession that keeps you turning pages and maybe snacking at the same time.

4. The Big Ragu (2016)

Fourth installment, and Frankie is stepping up her game, both as a chef and a detective. The stakes feel higher here, the recipes more mouthwatering, and the mystery tighter. Alexander’s writing has this incredible knack for making you care about the characters while keeping the whodunit tension alive. Honestly, you might start craving Italian food while secretly trying to solve the murder before Frankie does.

5. Layered With Lies (2017)

Book five is where things get even spicier-emotionally and literally. Frankie has to navigate complicated relationships, big secrets, and, of course, another murder. Ellie Alexander really brings her culinary world to life here; the way she describes food is so immersive you can almost taste it, and it’s paired with a clever, twisty mystery that makes you feel smart for spotting clues while still being completely surprised by the ending.

6. A Match Made in Texas (2018)

The sixth book in the series takes Frankie out of her usual setting a bit, which is refreshing, and it’s full of charm and suspense. The plot is layered with romance, family dynamics, and food-centric tension. Alexander’s narrative voice is conversational and witty, making you feel like you’re chatting with a foodie friend who also happens to solve crimes. You’re laughing, gasping, and craving barbecue all at once.

Background On Ellie Alexander Books

Ellie Alexander’s works are largely categorized within the cozy mystery genre, a subgenre of crime fiction that tends to focus on amateur sleuths, light-hearted suspense, and typically avoids explicit violence. Her books are characterized by their warm, often culinary-themed settings, relatable characters, and small-town charm. Two of her most popular series are the Bakeshop Mysteries and the Sloan Krause Mysteries, each with its own set of characters and atmospheres, but both sharing a thematic love of food and drink, coupled with a deep respect for community.

1. The Bakeshop Mysteries – Set in the quaint town of Ashland, Oregon, this series revolves around Juliet Montague, a baker who not only excels at creating mouthwatering pastries but also at solving mysterious deaths that crop up in her charming town. The series incorporates elements of food, baking, and an irresistible coziness that makes readers feel as though they are stepping into a warm, deliciously inviting world.
2. The Sloan Krause Mysteries – The second series follows Sloan Krause, a beer expert who works at a brewery in Leavenworth, Washington. Much like the Bakeshop Mysteries, the Sloan Krause series blends the setting’s unique atmosphere with its protagonist’s skills in food and drink, though with a focus on beer, brewing culture, and the relationships that form within the brewing community. This series also incorporates a mix of suspense and lighter, more humorous moments.

Both series are marked by their distinctive approach to solving crimes. The protagonists tend to uncover secrets hidden beneath seemingly perfect small-town facades, and through each investigation, there’s an underlying theme of personal growth, friendship, and the discovery of truths-both about others and themselves.

Reading Order Explained

For newcomers to Ellie Alexander’s books, one of the most common questions is whether to read her works in a specific order. While each series is fairly self-contained, and it is possible to jump into any book without feeling lost, there is a logical progression that helps maximize the enjoyment of her works.

1. The Bakeshop Mysteries

   The best way to dive into the Bakeshop Mysteries is with the first book, Meet Your Baker. This introduces Juliet Montague and the charming setting of Ashland, Oregon. From there, you can proceed with the subsequent books in the series, which build upon the dynamics of Juliet’s relationships with her friends, family, and the town itself, as well as her evolving role as a sleuth.

   Recommended Reading Order

   • Meet Your Baker
   • A Deadly Eclair
   • For Butter or Worse
   • Death on the Menu

   • The Queen Of Tarts

     And others…

2. The Sloan Krause Mysteries

   Similarly, the Sloan Krause Mysteries should be read in order for full character development. Start with the first book, Death on Tap, where readers are introduced to Sloan Krause and her life at the brewery. As the series progresses, Sloan’s character grows as she uncovers more about herself, her relationships, and the various cases she encounters.

   Recommended Reading Order

   • Death on Tap
   • Foam and Fortune
   • One Last Lie

   • A Brewing Storm

     And others…

What I Like About The Series?

Ellie Alexander’s books have a distinct appeal that draws readers in and keeps them hooked throughout her novels. There are several aspects that I particularly enjoy about her writing:

1. The Atmosphere: Both the Bakeshop Mysteries and Sloan Krause Mysteries are imbued with a sense of place that feels almost tangible. Whether it’s the picturesque town of Ashland, Oregon, or the charming Leavenworth, Washington, the settings are so richly detailed that they become characters in their own right. The warmth of Juliet’s bakery or the quaint local breweries create a comforting backdrop that makes the suspense of the mysteries all the more engaging.
2. The Characters: One of the standout features of Alexander’s writing is her ability to craft multi-dimensional characters. Juliet Montague and Sloan Krause are both strong, determined women who are relatable and likable, each with their own personal struggles and growth. They’re not just solving mysteries; they’re also grappling with personal issues-relationships, family dynamics, and finding their own paths in life.
3. The Food and Drink Element: Both series prominently feature food-be it delectable pastries or fine beer-and that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the stories. As someone who enjoys both baking and craft beer, I find the focus on these topics refreshing. The descriptions are often so vivid that readers can practically smell the aroma of freshly baked goods or taste the bitterness of a perfectly poured beer.
4. The Mystery and Suspense: The mysteries themselves are well-paced, intriguing, and filled with clever twists. While cozy mysteries tend to avoid excessive gore or violence, they still keep readers engaged with clever plotting and well-crafted reveals. The crimes are complex enough to challenge the protagonist without being overly convoluted, striking a perfect balance for fans of the genre.
5. The Personal Growth: In both series, the protagonists evolve over time, not only as detectives but also as people. There is a real sense of character development, with each book contributing to the protagonists’ emotional journeys.

Should You Read Ellie Alexander Books In Order?

While it’s not strictly necessary to read Ellie Alexander’s books in order, doing so enhances the reading experience significantly. Both series rely on character growth and evolving relationships, which build over time. By reading in order, you’re able to witness the characters’ development more clearly, and you’ll likely feel more invested in their personal stories.

In the Bakeshop Mysteries, Juliet’s relationships-especially with her family and romantic interests-develop from book to book, and reading them in order allows you to fully appreciate the nuances of her journey. Likewise, in the Sloan Krause Mysteries, Sloan’s transformation from someone merely trying to survive her new life to someone who is actively shaping it can be more fully appreciated if you follow her journey from the beginning.

Additionally, while each book in these series can be enjoyed independently, earlier books often provide important background information about characters and events that are referenced or built upon in later installments.