Massachusetts Mayhem Books in Order

Massachusetts Mayhem is a small-town mystery series written by Janelle Mowery and Elizabeth Ludwig. The books take place in Pine Mills, where an amateur investigation can quickly become personal, especially when the victim, the suspect, or the next clue is tied to people everyone knows.

The series opens with Where the Truth Lies. Casey Alexander does not believe her aunt died by suicide, so she begins asking questions in her aunt's quiet hometown. The more she uncovers, the more danger she faces. Local nursery owner Luke Kerrigain becomes someone Casey may need to trust, but he is also close enough to the case to make her wonder whether he is hiding something.

Casey returns as an experienced amateur sleuth in Died in the Wool. Librarian Monah Trenary is fighting for money to improve her library when a rival is found dead. Evidence points toward Monah, and police detective Mike Brockman has reason to worry that monkshood may connect her to the killing. Casey helps her friend investigate before the case becomes impossible to untangle.

In Pine Mills, gossip is evidence waiting to happen.

Inn Plain Sight brings the focus back to Casey, now a bride-to-be, after a murder intrudes on what should have been an ordinary shower. The victim had made plenty of enemies through gossip, blackmail, and general unpleasantness. Casey works through a crowded suspect list while facing clues that make her look far too involved.

The series has the approachable feel of a cozy mystery, with small-town relationships, light romance, humor, and amateur detection. It also allows real danger to creep in as Casey and her friends push past convenient explanations. The faith element stays woven into the characters' choices without taking over the puzzle.

Read the books in order, beginning with Where the Truth Lies. Casey's history with Pine Mills and Luke matters more as the series goes on, and later stories are more fun when readers already know why she cannot resist sorting clues, notes, and neighborhood rumors.