V. M. Burns (Valerie Burns) Books in Order (Complete Reading Guide)

V. M. Burns, also known as Valerie Burns, is a cozy mystery author best known for the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries, the Dog Club Mysteries, and the RJ Franklin Mysteries. The best way to read her books is in publication order within each series, since the stories develop around recurring characters, close-knit communities, and ongoing relationships.

Publication Order

V. M. Burns has multiple cozy series, each offering humor, puzzles, and engaging characters. Below is the publication order for her most popular series.

Mystery Bookshop Mysteries

1. The Plot Is Murder (2017) – Introduces Samantha Washington, who opens a mystery bookshop while writing her own whodunit.
2. Read Herring Hunt (2018) – Samantha’s manuscript mirrors a local murder investigation.
3. The Novel Art of Murder (2018) – Trouble brews as Sam balances bookshop life with crime-solving.
4. Wed, Read & Dead (2019) – Wedding bells clash with murder.
5. Bookmarked for Murder (2019) – A bus trip turns into a deadly detour.
6. A Tourist’s Guide to Murder (2020) – A travel mystery with dangerous twists.
7. Killer Words (2021) – A defamation lawsuit leads to shocking death.
8. Murder Is a Must (2021) – A literary conference takes a deadly turn.
9. Bookclubbed to Death (2023) – A rival bookshop owner sparks tension and tragedy.
10. Murder on Tour (2024) – The latest installment keeps Samantha on her toes.

Dog Club Mysteries

1. In the Dog House (2018) – Lilly Echosby rebuilds her life with her poodle, Aggie, when a murder occurs.
2. The Puppy Who Knew Too Much (2019) – A move to Tennessee brings more trouble.
3. Bark If It’s Murder (2019) – Dog shows and danger collide.
4. Paw and Order (2020) – Lilly’s sleuthing continues in a new community.
5. A Doggone Death (2021) – A canine-centered case unravels in surprising ways.

RJ Franklin Mysteries

1. Travellin’ Shoes (2018) – Detective RJ Franklin investigates a church-related murder in St. Joseph, Indiana.
2. The Plot Is Murder (2018) – A continuation of RJ’s crime-solving with cultural depth and suspense.
   (Note: This series has fewer installments but strong local and cultural themes.)

Other Works

Valerie Burns has also written standalone stories and contributed to anthologies, further expanding her cozy mystery footprint.

Chronological Order

For V. M. Burns, the chronological order is the same as publication order. Each series unfolds naturally over time, with no prequels or reshuffled timelines. Reading in order helps track character growth, relationships, and seasonal backdrops.

Recommended Reading Order

The recommended reading order is publication order within each series.

• Start with The Plot Is Murder if you want to explore her flagship Mystery Bookshop Mysteries.
• Dog lovers will enjoy beginning with In the Dog House in the Dog Club Mysteries.
• For readers who want more procedural mysteries with cultural and religious elements, the RJ Franklin Mysteries are an excellent choice.

Each series is self-contained, so you can start with the one that best matches your interests.

Complete Book Series List (Checklist)

Here is a full checklist of Valerie Burns’s works:

• Mystery Bookshop Mysteries — 10 books (2017–2024)
• Dog Club Mysteries — 5 books (2018–2021)
• RJ Franklin Mysteries — 2 books (2018–2019)
• Other Works — Short stories, novellas, and anthology contributions

Upcoming and Latest Release

The most recent release is Murder on Tour (2024) in the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries. Based on her consistent writing pace, fans can expect another Samantha Washington installment in 2025.

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about V. M. Burns books in order.

How many Mystery Bookshop Mysteries are there?
There are 10 books as of 2024.

Is the Mystery Bookshop series finished?
No, the series is ongoing with more books expected.

What order should I read V. M. Burns’s books in?
Publication order within each series is best.

Which V. M. Burns series is most popular?
The Mystery Bookshop Mysteries are her flagship and most widely read.

Does Valerie Burns use another pen name?
Yes, she writes as both V. M. Burns and Valerie Burns.

Are all of her books cozy mysteries?
Yes, her novels focus on amateur sleuths, small communities, and lighthearted mystery-solving.

Related Series

If you enjoy V. M. Burns’s books, you may also like:

• Leslie Meier Books in Order – Seasonal small-town cozy mysteries.
• Ellie Alexander Books in Order – Culinary and bakeshop-themed cozies.
• Kathi Daley Books in Order – Holiday- and pet-centered cozy mysteries.

These authors share Burns’s cozy mystery charm, humor, and engaging recurring characters.

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