Read Sarah Graves Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 10, 2026

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In the realm of cozy mysteries, Sarah Graves stands out as a celebrated author whose work has captured the imaginations of readers around the world. Her series, particularly the Home Repair Is Homicide series, offers a compelling blend of murder, mystery, and small-town charm. Set in the fictional town of Eastport, Maine, the books invite readers to follow amateur sleuth Jacobia ’Jake’ Tiptree as she navigates a world of old homes, puzzling murders, and intriguing characters. With a unique setting and relatable characters, Sarah Graves has built a reputation for delivering both suspenseful and heartwarming stories. In this piece, we’ll explore Sarah Graves’ books in depth, including the background of her series, the recommended reading order, what makes her works stand out, and whether you should read her books in sequence.

List Of Sarah Graves Books In Order

More On Sarah Graves Books In Chronological Order

1. Deadly Nightshade (1994)

The first book in Sarah Graves’ series featuring the amateur sleuth, Jacobia Tiptree. Set in the picturesque Maine town of Eastport, the novel combines the charm of coastal life with the dark undertones of crime. In this debut, Jacobia must juggle her new life as a house renovator with a strange and dangerous murder mystery, all while learning the ropes of solving crimes.

2. The Dead Cat Bounce (1995)

In the second book of the series, Jacobia Tiptree dives deeper into the mystery of an old friend’s death. The quirky and unassuming Maine town becomes a bit darker as she uncovers secrets from the past. The book brings a mix of wit and suspense as she uncovers some startling revelations that keep you turning the pages.

3. Wicked Fix (1996)

As the third installment in the Jacobia Tiptree mysteries, ’Wicked Fix’ dives into the world of house restoration and murder. A spooky, mysterious figure starts haunting Jacobia’s construction site, and things go from bad to worse as she digs deeper into a past that she’s not quite ready to confront.

4. The Murder of Mary Russell (1997)

In this book, Jacobia investigates the suspicious death of an elderly woman who had once been a friend of her mother’s. The twists and turns of the mystery are fascinating, with Graves skillfully using small-town secrets to create a suspenseful atmosphere. As always, Jacobia’s wit and resourcefulness keep the reader engaged.

5. Laying the Ghosts (1999)

Another entry in the Jacobia Tiptree series, this time focusing on the haunted history of a house. A deep dive into the paranormal elements of the story, it mixes ghostly occurrences with the usual dark secrets and crimes lurking just beneath the surface of a seemingly peaceful Maine town.

6. Murder in the Dooryard (2001)

Jacobia Tiptree is back in another mystery where she uncovers more about the dark history of her home. This time, a series of local crimes and a long-forgotten crime from the past come to light. A fun read for fans who enjoy the blend of historical and present-day intrigue.

7. Death and Taxes (2004)

A newer installment where Jacobia finds herself tangled in a financial mystery that involves the locals of Eastport. It’s a classic case of ’it’s never just about the money’-secrets and long-buried truths surface in this sharp and witty tale. Graves’ ability to blend humor with suspense is on full display here.

Background On Sarah Graves Books

Sarah Graves made her debut into the cozy mystery genre with The Home Repair Is Homicide series, first published in 1999. The series focuses on Jake Tiptree, a woman who has left her high-powered career in New York City to settle in the quaint, yet eerie, town of Eastport, Maine. She’s not just an amateur detective, though. Jake’s a woman of many talents, with a knack for home repairs that is central to the plotlines of many of the books. The charm of these stories lies in their setting-Eastport is not just a backdrop, but almost a character in itself, with its coastal beauty and isolated, tight-knit community. Graves takes full advantage of the Maine coastline, weaving atmospheric descriptions that enhance the plot’s tension.

The Home Repair Is Homicide series is a unique blend of mystery, humor, and an ongoing narrative about Jake’s transformation from a city dweller to a woman who embraces the small-town life-and the danger that often accompanies it. The mysteries are often intricately woven, with the past and present colliding in ways that force Jake, her family, and her friends to confront uncomfortable truths. In addition to the Home Repair Is Homicide series, Sarah Graves has also written standalone novels and other series, though it is this long-running series that remains her hallmark.

Reading Order Explained

Sarah Graves’ Home Repair Is Homicide series spans over twenty books, with each installment building upon the last in terms of character development, personal challenges, and overall mystery. While each book can technically be read as a standalone, there are compelling reasons to follow the series in the proper order.

The first book, Death by the Dozen (1999), introduces Jake Tiptree and her life in Eastport. Readers are quickly introduced to her eccentric, somewhat comical personality as she delves into her first mystery. As the series progresses, Jake’s relationships deepen, and the personal stakes increase. In many cozy mystery series, the early books lay the foundation for the characters and the town. This is certainly the case with Home Repair Is Homicide, as the setting of Eastport and Jake’s involvement in the community is explored in greater depth with each new release.

Here is the reading order of the Home Repair Is Homicide series:

1. Death by the Dozen (1999)
2. The Longest Yard Sale (2001)
3. The Frame-Up (2002)
4. Grave Errors (2004)
5. Dead End Street (2005)
6. The Big Fix (2006)
7. Screwdrivered (2009)
8. The Bloody Mary (2010)
9. A Haunting in Haverhill (2012)
10. The Big Picture (2013)

As the series progresses, Graves introduces new layers to Jake’s character. For example, her evolving relationship with her mother, her ongoing struggles with guilt and loss, and her quest for personal redemption become central themes. Each book also introduces a new mystery that requires both Jake’s home repair skills and her growing ability to solve complex problems, blending domestic expertise with detective work.

What I Like About The Series?

There’s something undeniably charming about Sarah Graves’ Home Repair Is Homicide series. One of the most compelling elements is the protagonist herself. Jake Tiptree is a relatable character-intelligent, down-to-earth, and often overwhelmed by the weight of her own life choices. Her journey from a high-powered New York professional to a small-town woman trying to balance the complexities of home renovation and solving murder mysteries is both fascinating and heartwarming. She’s tough, smart, and quirky, but also vulnerable, making her an easy character to root for.

Graves does an excellent job of making Eastport come to life. It’s a town filled with eccentric characters who each bring something special to the story. Whether it’s the quirky local shop owners or the mysterious townspeople with hidden pasts, Graves knows how to create a sense of community, even in the midst of murder and mayhem. The setting is often described so vividly that readers feel as though they’ve visited Eastport themselves. The cold sea air, the creaky old houses, and the small-town atmosphere are integral to the atmosphere of the books, creating a sense of place that pulls the reader deeper into the mystery.

Another aspect of the series that stands out is Graves’ ability to balance humor with suspense. While the stakes are high and the murders often grisly, the books never feel overly dark or heavy. There’s always a touch of humor, often in the form of Jake’s witty observations, sarcastic comments, or her interactions with the colorful townsfolk. This blend of lightheartedness and tension creates a unique reading experience that isn’t overly grim, even when dealing with death.

Should You Read Sarah Graves Books In Order?

While each book in the Home Repair Is Homicide series can be enjoyed on its own, reading them in order is highly recommended. Starting from the first book allows readers to experience Jake’s character growth, her evolving relationships, and the ongoing mysteries in a more meaningful way. The books are not simply independent mysteries-they follow a larger arc, with each installment contributing to Jake’s personal development and the progression of the overarching storylines.

Additionally, there are recurring characters whose backstories and interactions are explored in depth throughout the series. By starting at the beginning, you’ll gain a better understanding of the nuances in their relationships with Jake, as well as the evolving dynamics within Eastport itself.

If you prefer reading series in chronological order, you won’t want to miss the gradual development of Jake’s friendships, romantic entanglements, and even her increasing mastery of home repairs! Not to mention, there are recurring themes of family, guilt, and redemption that make the plot more rewarding if you follow Jake’s journey from the start.