Leslie Budewitz Books in Order (Complete Reading Guide)

The best way to read Leslie Budewitz is by series and publication order. Budewitz is a bestselling author of cozy mysteries, blending small-town charm, foodie culture, and clever sleuthing. She’s best known for her Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries and Spice Shop Mysteries, along with short fiction and legal-themed nonfiction. Below, you’ll find all her books in order, complete lists, and FAQs.

Publication Order

Leslie Budewitz writes multiple series, each with its own flavor and setting. Here’s the full publication order.

Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries

Set in Jewel Bay, Montana, this series follows Erin Murphy, manager of a specialty food market, who solves crimes in a community filled with delicious foods and dangerous secrets.

1. Death al Dente (2013) – Erin Murphy must prove her innocence when a local food festival turns deadly.
2. Crime Rib (2014) – A celebrity chef competition ends in murder, and Erin must untangle the recipe for truth.
3. Butter Off Dead (2015) – A murder at the Food Lovers’ Film Festival shakes Jewel Bay.
4. Treble at the Jam Fest (2017) – Music and food come together, but so does another mystery.
5. As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles (2018) – Holiday cheer is overshadowed by a chilling murder.

Spice Shop Mysteries

Set in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, this series follows Pepper Reece, a spice shop owner who sprinkles curiosity and courage into every murder investigation.

1. Assault and Pepper (2015) – Pepper discovers murder can spice up life in the market.
2. Guilty as Cinnamon (2015) – A new blend of spices—and secrets—leads to deadly results.
3. Killing Thyme (2016) – A mysterious letter and an old case brew trouble for Pepper.
4. Chai Another Day (2019) – A suspicious death at a local event stirs Pepper’s sleuthing instincts.
5. The Solace of Bay Leaves (2020) – A poisoning at a fancy tea brings danger closer to home.
6. Between a Wok and a Dead Place (2023) – Pepper faces cultural flavors, community tensions, and a fresh murder mystery.

Short Fiction

Leslie Budewitz has also contributed mystery short stories to anthologies and magazines, often with foodie or small-town themes. While not essential to follow her main series, they showcase her storytelling range.

Nonfiction

• Books, Crooks & Counselors: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law and Courtroom Procedure (2011) – A reference guide for writers, drawing on Budewitz’s experience as a lawyer.

Chronological Order

For Leslie Budewitz’s books, the chronological order matches publication order. Each series develops characters and settings over time. There are no prequels or spin-offs that alter the sequence, so readers can simply follow the publication timeline.

Recommended Reading Order

When deciding how to read Leslie Budewitz, it depends on your cozy mystery taste:

• If you love foodie cozies with a small-town feel, start with the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries.
• If you enjoy urban settings with spice and variety, go for the Spice Shop Mysteries.
• Within each series, it’s best to read in publication order since character development and relationships carry forward.

Many readers enjoy alternating between series, but sticking to one at a time gives the most seamless experience.

Complete Book Series List

Here’s a checklist of Leslie Budewitz’s works to date:

• Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries (5 books, 2013–2018; complete)
• Spice Shop Mysteries (6 books, 2015–2023; ongoing)
• Short Fiction (various anthologies and magazines)
• Nonfiction – Books, Crooks & Counselors (2011)

Upcoming and Latest Release

The latest release is Between a Wok and a Dead Place (2023) in the Spice Shop Mysteries. This series remains ongoing, and fans can expect more culinary-themed cozies from Leslie Budewitz in the future.

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about Leslie Budewitz books in order.

How many books has Leslie Budewitz written?
She has written over a dozen books, including two cozy series, short fiction, and nonfiction.

Is the Food Lovers’ Village series finished?
Yes, it concluded with As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles (2018).

Is the Spice Shop series still ongoing?
Yes, the series continues with the most recent release in 2023.

Do you need to read her books in order?
Yes, within each series it’s best to read in publication order, though each mystery can stand alone.

What makes her books unique?
They combine foodie culture, authentic legal knowledge, and engaging community dynamics.

Has Leslie Budewitz won any awards?
Yes, she is an Agatha Award-winning author for both fiction and nonfiction.

Related Series You May Like

Fans of Leslie Budewitz often enjoy other foodie and cozy mystery authors, such as:

• Krista Davis (see Krista Davis books in order)
• Kate Carlisle (see Kate Carlisle books in order)
• Jenn McKinlay (see Jenn McKinlay books in order)
• Connie Berry (see Connie Berry books in order)

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