Read Kate Kingsbury Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on March 29, 2026

Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

The world of cozy mysteries is filled with engaging characters, charming settings, and heartwarming plots, and one author who has captured the hearts of readers in this genre is Kate Kingsbury. With a unique blend of suspense, intrigue, and delightful small-town vibes, Kingsbury’s books have become beloved staples on many readers’ shelves. But as with any series, the question often arises-how should one approach her books? Should you read them in order, or can you jump in anywhere? In this article, we’ll explore the background of Kate Kingsbury’s works, delve into her books’ reading order, and examine the elements that make her novels so enjoyable.

List Of Kate Kingsbury Books In Order

More On Kate Kingsbury Books In Chronological Order

1. No Rest for the Wicca (2015)

This is the first book in the enchanting Wicca series where you’ll be introduced to the charming and mysterious life of a witch named Marlee. It’s set in a cozy little town where Marlee just wants to keep her shop and magical skills under the radar. But of course, that never happens, and she finds herself wrapped up in a mystery involving a stolen artifact, her powers, and an array of quirky townsfolk. It’s got a nice blend of humor, magic, and a bit of sleuthing.

2. A Merry Little Murder (2002)

Welcome to the world of the Pennyfoot Hotel, where the holiday season is about to be ruined by a murder! In this cozy mystery, our hotel manager, Cecily, must solve the murder that threatens to ruin the festive atmosphere. It’s Christmas at the Pennyfoot, so you can expect plenty of charm, delightful details about the hotel, and of course, a clever mystery to unravel. If you like your mysteries with a side of holiday cheer and English countryside vibes, this one’s for you!

3. Death of a Schoolgirl (1999)

The first book in the Manor House series introduces us to another fantastic setting, this time an English estate turned boarding school. When a schoolgirl is found dead under mysterious circumstances, the staff, particularly our heroine, are forced into a game of cat and mouse to uncover the truth. The writing is atmospheric and suspenseful, while the characters are rich and intriguing. It’s one of those books that grips you from the first page!

4. Murder at the Manor (2000)

This second installment in the Manor House series continues the murder-mystery tradition with yet another dark twist. Someone is found murdered at the manor house, and it’s up to our main character to uncover not only the killer but also the complex web of secrets that the inhabitants of this house are hiding. It’s got all the right ingredients for a page-turner-mystery, tension, and that satisfying conclusion that leaves you wanting more.

5. The Murder of a Queen Bee (2017)

A standalone novel in a different vein, this one focuses on a high school teacher who is deeply involved in a very unusual mystery. When the queen bee of the school’s social scene ends up dead, the teacher is pulled into a world of backstabbing, secrets, and a deadly twist. It’s a fantastic departure from the usual cozy setting of Kingsbury’s other works, but still has her signature style of keeping readers on edge.

6. A Match Made in Murder (2021)

This is one of her most recent books, and boy, is it a fun ride! A dating app mystery? You’ve got it! When a participant in a matchmaking event ends up dead, it’s up to our protagonist to sort through the match-making chaos and find out who wanted to play dirty with deadly consequences. Expect plenty of twists and turns, and a mystery that’ll keep you guessing.

Background On Kate Kingsbury Books

Kate Kingsbury is an author who has a natural gift for storytelling, with her novels often set in picturesque locales that are just as much characters in her tales as the protagonists themselves. Primarily known for her cozy mystery series, Kingsbury has written several well-loved works, with her most notable contributions being her "Pennyfoot Hotel" and "The Victorian Mystery" series.

Kingsbury, who writes under her own name as well as the pseudonym "Clea Simon," excels at crafting tight, cleverly plotted stories, which are both comforting and captivating. Her writing style tends to be breezy and accessible, with a focus on intricate characters and building atmospheric settings. She presents the mystery in such a way that the reader is never overwhelmed by the complexity of the plot, making her books ideal for readers who enjoy leisurely mysteries with a touch of suspense.

The Pennyfoot Hotel Series

Her most popular series, the Pennyfoot Hotel Mysteries, is set in a charming fictional British hotel located on the English coast. The main protagonist of this series, Felicity "Flick" Webster, is the head housekeeper of Pennyfoot Hotel, a character who, with her clever wit and no-nonsense attitude, ends up solving murders that occur in the hotel’s serene but sinister environment. The series offers a delightful combination of whodunits and historical intrigue, with cozy descriptions of life in an early 20th-century hotel.

The books are notable for their historical setting, and Kingsbury does an excellent job of creating an immersive atmosphere. The social dynamics, the detailed depictions of the hotel’s operations, and the unique characters contribute to the overall charm of the series. The hotel itself is almost a character in its own right, with its secrets and rooms holding more than just guests-they conceal mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

The Victorian Mystery Series

Another notable series by Kingsbury is "The Victorian Mystery" series, which introduces a different setting but maintains the same cozy mystery format. Set in the Victorian era, this series is marked by its attention to historical detail and its emphasis on manners, fashion, and society’s expectations. The plots often involve amateur sleuths navigating through the strict and rigid Victorian society to uncover secrets and solve crimes, blending elements of both historical fiction and mystery.

Reading Order Explained

When it comes to Kate Kingsbury’s books, reading them in order is crucial to fully appreciating the character development and the overarching plotlines that span multiple books in her series. Both the Pennyfoot Hotel and Victorian Mystery series follow a sequential format, and although each book is written to stand alone, the progression of the series allows for a deeper connection to the characters and settings as you move forward.

The Pennyfoot Hotel Series Reading Order

1. Murder at the Pennyfoot Hotel (Book 1)
2. Death at the Pennyfoot Hotel (Book 2)
3. A Holiday Murder (Book 3)
4. The Ghosts of the Pennyfoot Hotel (Book 4)
5. A Christmas Murder (Book 5)

… and so on, continuing through the series.

Each book in this series brings new murder mysteries to solve at the hotel, but it also delves deeper into the lives of Flick and her colleagues. Reading them in order allows the reader to follow the development of the characters, especially Flick’s evolving relationship with her friends and coworkers. Later books expand on earlier plot points, and new characters are introduced whose backstories are tied to those in the earlier novels.

The Victorian Mystery Series Reading Order

1. The Abandoned House
2. The Disappearing Corpse
3. The Haunted Victim
4. The Missing Heiress
5. The Silent Witness

Like the Pennyfoot series, this series also follows a progressive narrative, where certain relationships and storylines evolve from book to book. However, the central mystery in each novel is wrapped up neatly by the end, so each book could technically be enjoyed on its own. However, the historical context and the ongoing character arcs will be more rewarding if read sequentially.

What I Like About The Series?

There are several things that make Kate Kingsbury’s books stand out in the cozy mystery genre.

1. Atmospheric Settings: One of the most striking aspects of her work is her ability to transport readers to distinct locations. Whether it’s the quaint, sometimes eerie hotel in the Pennyfoot series or the richly historical settings of her Victorian novels, Kingsbury excels at setting a mood. Her attention to detail about the time periods and locations brings the setting to life, adding layers of charm and intrigue to the mystery.
2. Relatable, Lovable Characters: The characters, especially the protagonists, are easy to root for. Flick, the head housekeeper at Pennyfoot, is fiercely independent yet compassionate. She brings a refreshing strength and authenticity to her role as an amateur detective, and the way she interacts with other characters in the hotel is endearing. In her Victorian mysteries, the main sleuths often come from different walks of life, which gives each story a unique perspective on solving the case.
3. Engaging Plots with a Touch of Suspense: Kingsbury’s mysteries are carefully plotted but never overcomplicated. They offer just the right mix of suspense and surprise without being too dark or macabre. This makes them perfect for readers who enjoy solving a mystery without the intensity of a more traditional crime thriller.
4. Historical Charm: For readers who appreciate historical settings, Kingsbury’s attention to the past-particularly in the Victorian series-is a major draw. She captures the quirks of historical life in a way that feels authentic and immersive, without bogging the reader down in historical facts.
5. Wholesome Tone: The books generally have a wholesome, feel-good vibe, with a focus on solving crimes rather than reveling in the darkness of them. They’re the type of books you can pick up to unwind, knowing that while there may be danger and intrigue, there will also be moments of humor, warmth, and uplifting interactions.

Should You Read Kate Kingsbury Books In Order?

Yes, I highly recommend reading Kate Kingsbury’s books in order, especially if you are starting with either the Pennyfoot Hotel or Victorian Mystery series. Reading them in order allows you to follow the progression of character development and plot arcs, which enhances your connection to the stories and deepens the overall experience. The mysteries themselves are enjoyable on their own, but the journey through Kingsbury’s rich, atmospheric worlds is more rewarding when experienced sequentially.

Starting with the first book in each series will allow you to better appreciate the unfolding drama of the characters’ lives and relationships. Plus, each successive book builds upon the last, so you won’t miss out on important developments.