Rhys Bowen Reading Order
25 series · 404 books · Born 1941-09-24
Rhys Bowen is a prolific author who has crafted twenty-five distinct series spanning fantasy, mystery, and young adult genres, with nearly four hundred books published since 1976. Her mystery writing has earned international acclaim, winning numerous major awards and appearing on bestseller lists including the New York Times, while her work has been translated across twenty-two languages worldwide. Known for blending historical detail with compelling storytelling, Bowen draws on her Welsh heritage and English upbringing to create immersive narratives, from her popular Constable Evans series set in the Welsh mountains to acclaimed historical mysteries like In Farleigh Field.
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Anthologies Series
Likely Complete13 books (2000–2022)
Rhys Bowen's Anthologies series comprises 12 books of collected stories published between 2000 and 2022, likely complete and best read in publication order beginning with Unholy Orders. The series blends fantasy, mystery, and thriller content across both fiction anthologies and collections featuring writing advice and essays from mystery authors. Titles range from themed story collections like Blood on Their Hands and Silent Night, Deadly Night to Sherlock Holmes-focused volumes and craft-focused compilations exploring the mystery genre.
Start with Unholy Orders, the first of 12 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with Unholy Orders
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Boyfriend Club Series
Complete12 books (1994–1995)
The Boyfriend Club is a complete young adult series comprising 12 books published between 1994 and 1995. Written by Rhys Bowen, the series follows a group of friends navigating relationships and romance during their teenage years. Readers should begin with Ginger's First Kiss and continue in publication order through all twelve installments, ending with The Boyfriend Wars.
Start with Ginger's First Kiss, the first of 12 books in the Boyfriend Club series.
Start this series with Ginger's First Kiss
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Changes Series
Complete10 books (1992–1992)
The Changes series is a ten-book young adult mystery and thriller collection published in 1992 as a complete set. Each book in the series features a different author and protagonist, following individual stories that stand alone while contributing to the larger Changes universe. Read the books in publication order beginning with Can't Buy Me Love to experience the full series as intended.
Start with Can't Buy Me Love(By: Mallory Stevens), the first of 10 books in the Changes series.
Start this series with Can't Buy Me Love(By: Mallory Stevens)
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Constable Evans Series
Complete10 books (1997–2006)
The Constable Evans mystery series comprises ten complete novels published between 1997 and 2006 by Rhys Bowen. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with Evans Above and concluding with Evanly Bodies. The series follows a police constable navigating cases and life in Wales across a decade of crime fiction narratives.
Start with Evans Above, the first of 10 books in the Constable Evans series.
Start this series with Evans Above
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Cozy Case Files Mystery Sampler Series
Ongoing24 books (2017–2025)
The Cozy Case Files Mystery Sampler is an ongoing anthology series featuring short mystery stories from various established and emerging cozy mystery authors. With 22 volumes published between 2017 and 2025, each collection brings together multiple writers contributing standalone tales that can be enjoyed independently or as part of the larger collection. Readers should follow the series in publication order, beginning with Volume 1, to experience the full range of mystery writers and characters featured across the expanding series. This sampler format makes it an ideal entry point for readers seeking to discover new cozy mystery authors and subgenres within the broader mystery landscape.
Start with Cozy Case Files Volume 1(By: Ellie Alexander,Cynthia Riggs,Mindy Quigley), the first of 22 books in the Cozy Case Files Mystery Sampler series.
Start this series with Cozy Case Files Volume 1(By: Ellie Alexander,Cynthia Riggs,Mindy Quigley)
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Friends Series
Complete4 books (1991–1991)
Rhys Bowen's Friends series consists of four young adult fantasy and mystery books published in 1991. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Boy Trouble for Tess and Ali and continuing through Starring Tess and Ali, Tess and Ali and the Teeny Bikini, and concluding with Tess and Ali, Going on Fifteen. Each book follows the same characters through their teenage years in a interconnected narrative.
Start with Boy Trouble for Tess and Ali, the first of 4 books in the Friends series.
Start this series with Boy Trouble for Tess and Ali
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Full House: Club Stephanie Series
Complete3 books (1997–1998)
The Club Stephanie series consists of three complete books published between 1997 and 1998, all of which should be read in publication order beginning with Flamingo Revenge. This young adult series follows the adventures and mysteries that unfold as the story progresses through Fun, Sun, and Flamingoes and concludes with Flamingoes Overboard!
Start with Flamingo Revenge and read in order.
Start this series with Flamingo Revenge
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Heartbreak Cafe Series
Complete6 books (1989–1990)
The Heartbreak Cafe series by Rhys Bowen consists of six standalone yet interconnected novels published between 1989 and 1990, blending fantasy, mystery, and young adult elements. Each book can be read independently, though readers new to the series should begin with At Your Service and follow the publication order through The Main Attraction and Love to Go for the full experience. This complete series offers self-contained stories that complement one another while maintaining their own narrative arcs.
Start with At Your Service, the first of 6 books in the Heartbreak Cafe series.
Start this series with At Your Service
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleHer Royal Spyness Series
Ongoing21 books (2007–2026)
The Her Royal Spyness series comprises 20 books published between 2007 and 2025, with the series still ongoing. This mystery series should be read in publication order, beginning with Her Royal Spyness and continuing through the most recent entries. The books follow a consistent protagonist through interconnected mysteries and adventures, making sequential reading essential for full enjoyment of character development and recurring plot threads.
Start with Her Royal Spyness, the first of 20 books in the Her Royal Spyness series.
Start this series with Her Royal Spyness
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Love Stories For Young Adults Series
Complete52 books (1991–2000)
The Love Stories For Young Adults series comprises 52 complete novels published between 1991 and 2000, each exploring different romantic scenarios and relationships aimed at young adult readers. These standalone stories should be read in publication order, beginning with Some Girls Do by Dahlia Kosinski and continuing through the full sequence of titles. The series features contributions from various authors and spans themes of first love, relationships, and romance across diverse teenage experiences. This expansive collection provides numerous entry points for readers seeking young adult romance fiction from this era.
Start with Some Girls Do(By: Dahlia Kosinski), the first of 52 books in the Love Stories For Young Adults series.
Start this series with Some Girls Do(By: Dahlia Kosinski)
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Molly Murphy Series
Ongoing26 books (2001–2027)
The Molly Murphy series comprises 25 books by Rhys Bowen, beginning with Murphy's Law in 2001 and continuing through 2026 as an ongoing series. These mystery novels should be read in publication order to follow the character's development and interconnected cases. The series blends mystery and thriller elements across its expanding collection of detective stories.
Start with Murphy's Law, the first of 25 books in the Molly Murphy series.
Start this series with Murphy's Law
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NBC Great Escapes Series
Complete2 books (1993–1993)
The NBC Great Escapes series by Rhys Bowen consists of two complete fantasy-mystery titles published in 1993. Both The Secrets of Lake Success and Trade Winds should be read in publication order. This brief series blends elements of fantasy and mystery with young adult appeal.
Start with The Secrets of Lake Success and read in order.
Start this series with The Secrets of Lake Success
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On Our Own Series
Complete6 books (1986–1986)
The On Our Own series by Rhys Bowen consists of six complete books published in 1986, following a group of young women as they navigate friendship and coming-of-age challenges. This young adult fantasy and mystery series should be read in publication order, beginning with Best Friends Forever. The final installments, The Graduates and The Trouble with Toni, conclude the story arc.
Start with Best Friends Forever, the first of 6 books in the On Our Own series.
Start this series with Best Friends Forever
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Picture Series
Complete6 books (1976–1992)
The Picture series by Rhys Bowen consists of six complete fantasy and mystery books for young adult readers published between 1976 and 1992. The series includes Peter Penny's Dance, Benjamin's Balloon, Septimus Bean and His Amazing Machine, Magic Growing Powder, Helpful Hattie, and Billy and Ben. These standalone entries should be read in publication order to fully experience the author's imaginative storytelling across the collection.
Start with Peter Penny's Dance, the first of 6 books in the Picture series.
Start this series with Peter Penny's Dance
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Portraits Collection Series
Complete5 books (1990–1990)
The Portraits Collection is a five-book young adult series completed in 1990, featuring standalone stories that should be read in publication order. Each entry was written by a different author, creating a diverse anthology of mystery and thriller narratives. The series includes Always by Diane Schwemm, Attitude by Marilyn Kaye, Stealing Josh by Susan Blake, Summer Heat by Janet Quin-Harkin, and The Uncertainty Principle by Beverly Sommers.
Start with Always(By: Diane Schwemm), the first of 5 books in the Portraits Collection series.
Start this series with Always(By: Diane Schwemm)
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Red Dragon Academy Series
Complete1 book (2014–2014)
Senior Year Series
Complete4 books (1991–1992)
The Senior Year series by Rhys Bowen consists of four complete young adult fantasy and mystery books published between 1991 and 1992. The novels should be read in publication order, beginning with Homecoming Dance and continuing through New Year's Eve, Graduation Day, and Night of the Prom. This series follows a continuous narrative throughout the characters' final year of high school.
Start with Homecoming Dance, the first of 4 books in the Senior Year series.
Start this series with Homecoming Dance
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Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete4 books (2000–2007)
This complete collection contains four short stories and novellas by Rhys Bowen, published between 2000 and 2007 and best read in publication order. The series includes Seal of the Confessional, Doppelganger, Voodoo, and Please Watch Your Step, blending fantasy, mystery, and thriller elements across its standalone entries.
Start with Seal of the Confessional, the first of 4 books in the Short Stories/Novellas series.
Start this series with Seal of the Confessional
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleSister, Sister Series
Complete8 books (1996–1997)
Rhys Bowen's Sister, Sister is a complete eight-book young adult series published between 1996 and 1997. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Cool in School and concluding with Summer Daze. This series blends fantasy, mystery, and thriller elements within a young adult framework.
Start with Cool in School, the first of 8 books in the Sister, Sister series.
Start this series with Cool in School
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Standalone Novels Series
Ongoing23 books (1984–2026)
This collection spans 22 standalone novels by Rhys Bowen, with publication dates ranging from 1984 to 2025 and the series remaining ongoing. The early entries were published under the pen name Janet Quin-Harkin before the author transitioned to writing under her own name. Since these are independent stories rather than a connected narrative, they can be read in any order, though following publication order provides a chronological view of the author's career evolution across fantasy, mystery, thriller, and young adult genres.
Start with Tommy Loves Tina(As:Janet Quin-Harkin), the first of 22 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with Tommy Loves Tina(As:Janet Quin-Harkin)
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Sugar and Spice Series
Complete20 books (1987–1989)
The Sugar and Spice series by Rhys Bowen comprises 20 complete books published between 1987 and 1989, blending fantasy, mystery, and young adult elements. Begin with Dear Cousin and follow the series in publication order through all twenty installments, ending with the final books in the sequence. Each entry builds on the previous stories, making consecutive reading essential for following the overarching narrative.
Start with Dear Cousin, the first of 20 books in the Sugar and Spice series.
Start this series with Dear Cousin
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Sweet Dreams Series
Complete136 books (1981–1995)
Sweet Dreams is a massive young adult series comprising 136 books published between 1981 and 1995, now complete. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with P. S. I Love You and continuing through all entries to fully experience the collection. With contributions from multiple authors including Rhys Bowen, this series offers standalone romance stories within a shared universe, making each book accessible as an individual read while rewarding dedicated readers who follow the complete sequence.
Start with P. S. I Love You(By: Barbara Conklin), the first of 136 books in the Sweet Dreams series.
Start this series with P. S. I Love You(By: Barbara Conklin)
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TGIF Series
Complete5 books (1995–1996)
The TGIF series by Rhys Bowen consists of five complete books published between 1995 and 1996. These young adult fantasy and mystery titles should be read in publication order, beginning with Forever Friday and continuing through Four's a Crowd, Sleepover Madness, Secret Valentine, and concluding with Toe-Shoe Trouble. The series offers a self-contained story arc across its five installments.
Start with Forever Friday, the first of 5 books in the TGIF series.
Start this series with Forever Friday
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Tgif! Series
Complete1 book (1995–1995)
True Love Series
Complete2 books (2001–2001)
Rhys Bowen's True Love series comprises two complete fantasy and mystery novels published in 2001. The two books, Kiss and Lie and Secrets, should be read in publication order to fully experience the story. This short series blends fantasy and thriller elements with young adult appeal.
Start with Kiss and Lie and read in order.
Start this series with Kiss and Lie
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Rhys Bowen written?
- Rhys Bowen has written 404 books across 25 series. Their published works span from 1976 to 2027.
- What is the first book in each Rhys Bowen series?
- Here are the first books in Rhys Bowen's series: Anthologies: Unholy Orders; Boyfriend Club: Ginger's First Kiss; Changes: Can't Buy Me Love(By: Mallory Stevens); Constable Evans: Evans Above; Cozy Case Files Mystery Sampler: Cozy Case Files Volume 1(By: Ellie Alexander,Cynthia Riggs,Mindy Quigley).
- What order should I read Rhys Bowen's books?
- We recommend reading Rhys Bowen's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Rhys Bowen still writing new books?
- Yes, Rhys Bowen has 4 ongoing series: Cozy Case Files Mystery Sampler, Her Royal Spyness, Molly Murphy, Standalone Novels.