Dr. Kate Vet Mysteries Books in Order

The Dr. Kate Vet Mysteries pick up with Kate Turner more settled in Oak Falls and more deeply tied to the life of the local animal hospital. She still makes house calls across New York's Hudson Valley, but by now the town knows her, trusts her with their animals, and has learned that wherever Kate goes, a mystery may not be far behind. That makes these books feel like the next stage of an ongoing story, a little more confident, a little more personal, and just as busy.

Kate's calendar is packed, and so are the suspects.

In Saddled with Murder, Last But Not Leashed, and Murders of a Feather, the cases grow out of the same daily life that powers the earlier books. A difficult client dies. A speaker at a community event is found murdered. A young couple turns up dead near a frozen lake, followed by a third death that reaches right back into the animal hospital. Kate investigates because she is close to the people involved, because the official story rarely feels complete, and because she has a stubborn streak that does not let her walk away.

The Hudson Valley setting is especially strong in this trio. Brady leans into Christmas parties, New Year's nerves, snowstorms, icy roads, barns, woods, and frozen water, which gives these mysteries a wintry edge without losing the cozy feel. Oak Falls remains full of gossip, grudges, old ties, and quirky clients, so Kate is constantly moving between everyday veterinary work and the darker corners of small-town life. One minute she is worrying about a dog, horse, or bird, and the next she is piecing together a homicide.

The personal threads matter too. Kate's friendships, family connections, and unsteady love life all keep moving, which helps the books feel linked rather than interchangeable. Mari is still an important ally. Kate's grandfather still grounds her. Romantic complications come and go, but the emotional center stays the same: Kate is capable, compassionate, and sometimes stretched too thin by people who need something from her.

These are cozy mysteries with real mud on their boots.

That is part of the charm. Brady brings in accurate animal care, a working vet's eye for detail, and a nice balance of humor and tension. The crimes are clever, but the books never forget the animals or the rhythms of the clinic. If you want the later Kate Turner novels, with winter atmosphere, sharper personal stakes, and plenty of Oak Falls gossip, this is the series to pick up.